Raised cytomegalovirus-antibody level in cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenic patients

The serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 60 schizophrenic patients and 26 controls were analysed for viral antibody against cytomegalovirus (CMV), vaccinia virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV), and type A influenza virus. A CSF/serum antibody ratio more than 2 standard deviations above the mean of the controls suggested local antibody production in the central nervous system. 68% of the patients had an increased CSF/serum antibody ratio for CMV antibody, 14% for vaccinia antibody, 4% for HSV antibody, and 15% for influenza virus antibody.