[Borna disease virus--a possible etiological agent of human psychoneurological disorders?]

The characteristics of Borna disease virus are described, specifically, the structure and replicative features. This virus differs from other representatives of Mononegavirales order and therefore cannot be referred to any of its families. There are grounds to propose that Borna disease virus is the forefather of a new family: Bornaviridae. The review presents data on neurological and behavioral disorders caused by this virus in animals. A relatively high level of antiviral antibodies was detected in humans with mental disorders; moreover, virus antigens and virus RNA were found in the brain postmortem. Contribution of Borna disease virus to mental diseases of man is discussed.