No Molecular Evidence of Borna Disease Virus Among Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Patients in Iran



Shatizadehmalekshahi S¹ ; Ahmadkhaniha HR² ; Kiani SJ¹ ; Nejati A¹ ; Janani L³ ; Yavarian J¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Microbiology Published:2017

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Viruses have been suggested as one of the risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Among infectious agents Borna disease virus (BDV) has been known as a neurotropic virus which is able to cause neurological disorders in different animals. Recently there were controversial findings about BDV association with pathogenesis of human psychotic disorders. Materials and Methods: Here we performed a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of BDV P40 RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples of schizophrenia (SC), bipolar disorder (BD) patients and healthy controls (HCs). Results: Only one out of 120 (0.8 %) psychiatric patients and two samples (2.7%) in 75 HCs showed positive results. There were no significant molecular evidence of BDV infection in 120 psychotic patients (60 SC and 60 BD) and 75 matched HCs. Conclusion: Our findings showed no association between BDV infection and pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders. This is an interesting issue given both the as yet un-clarified role of BDV in human mental disorders and addressing patients in the so far under-investigating Middle East era. © 2017, Tehran University of Medical Science. All rights reserved.