Borna disease in horses.

The research article focuses on Borna Disease, a rare viral infection primarily affecting horses and sheep, its causes, worldwide spread, characteristics, and impact, including its potential relation to specific human psychiatric disorders.

Understanding the Borna Disease Virus (BDV)

• Borna Disease is a sporadic and progressive viral infection, termed polioencephalomyelitis, which primarily targets horses and sheep.
• The virus responsible for this disease, BDV, is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. It belongs to a new virus family, Bornaviridae, in the order of Mononegavirales.

Global expansion and impact of BDV

• The evidence of BDV infection has been identified in a growing number of countries around the globe, implying a significant worldwide distribution.
• From infection to onset of symptoms, the incubation period of this disease can last from a few weeks to several months.

Symptoms and Effects of BDV Infection

• The viral infection primarily causes locomotor and sensory disruptions, which may further advance to paralysis and eventually, death.
• The disease manifests because of an immunopathological reaction initiated by the virus, disrupting the normal functioning of the immune system.

Connection of BDV with Human Psychiatric Disorders

• Abstract cites evidence of BDV-specific antibodies and viral RNA in humans suffering from various psychiatric disorders. This suggests a potential linkage between BDV and certain mental health conditions in humans.