The Borna virus was named after the region in Germany where it was first described. The virus can cause fatal encephalitis in domestic animals such as cattle, sheep and horses. It causes a persistent infection that leaves the host cell undamaged.

The virus has also been called "The crazy virus".

The borna virus, a virus that has been linked to mental disorders in animals has been isolated in humans. The humans who had evidence of this virus were diagnosed with mood disorders and schizophrenia. It's hypothesized that BDV, as it inserts itself into neurons, may compromise the function of cells by binding to neurotransmitter receptors. When injected into animals they begin suffering from mental disorders.

Borna disease virus (BDV)

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From http://www.specialtylabs.com

BORNA DISEASE VIRUS

Borna disease virus (BDV) infection, an epidemic disease in horses, sheep and other livestock, characterized by profound motor and behavioral abnormalities,1 can be detected by the presence of antibodies to BDV proteins in intravenous drug abusers, HIV-seropositive individuals, Africans with schistosomiasis and/or malaria and in some patients with depressive disorders.2-5 Antibodies to a major BDV protein are detected by IFA in approximately 2% of healthy individuals and those with psychiatric disorders, 13% of multiple sclerosis patients, 14% of HIV-positive patients with lymphadenopathy, 19% of black African children with chronic S. haematobium infection and malaria and 9% of European children with acute EBV infection.5 Detection of antibodies reactive to 38/40 kd and 24 kd BDV proteins are reported using immunoblotting techniques.6 Serological diagnosis using recombinant viral proteins rec p40, rec p23 and rec p18 in EIAs is currently considered the most rapid and sensitive method of detection.7

REFERENCES

1. Ludwig H, Bode L, Gosztonyi G. Borna disease: a persistent virus infection of the central nervous system. Prog Med Virol 1988;35:107-51.

2. Rott R, Herzog S, Fleisher B, et al. Detection of serum antibodies to Borna disease virus in patients with psychiatric disorders. Science 1985;228:755-6.

3. Amsterdam JD, Winokur A, Dyson W, et al. Borna disease virus: a possible etiologic factor in human affective disorders? Arch Gen Psychiatry 1985;42:1093-6.

4. Bode L, Riegel S, Ludwig H, Amsterdam JD, Lange W, Koprowski H. Borna disease virus-specific antibodies in patients with HIV infection and with mental disorders. Lancet 1988;2:689.

5. Bode L, Riegel S, Lange W, Ludwig H. Human infection with Borna disease virus: seroprevalence in patients with chronic diseases and healthy individuals. J Med Virol 1992;36:309-15.

6. Fu ZF, Amsterdam JD, Kao M, Shankar V, Koprowski H, Dietzschold B. Detection of Borna disease virus-reactive antibodies from patients with affective disorders by Western immunoblot technique. J Affect Disord 1993;27:61-8.