Borna disease

Bornavirus
Virus classification
Group:	Group V ((−)ssRNA)
Order:	Mononegavirales
Family:	Bornaviridae
Genus:	Bornavirus
Species
Mammalian 1 bornavirus

Borna disease viruses 1 and 2
Classification and external resources
Specialty	infectious disease
ICD-9-CM	062.9
DiseasesDB	1529
MeSH	D001890
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Mammalian 1 bornavirus

Borna disease is an infectious neurological syndrome of warm-blooded animals, caused by Borna disease viruses 1 and 2 (BoDV-1/2), both of which are members of the species Mammalian 1 bornavirus. BoDV-1 an 2 cause abnormal behaviour and fatality. Borna disease viruses 1 and 2 are neurotropic viruses and members of the Bornaviridae family within the Mononegavirales order.

Although Borna disease viruses 1 and 2 are mainly seen as the causative agent of Borna disease in horses and other animals, they are also controversially discussed as human infectious agents and therefore as potential zoonotic agents. The role of BoDV-1 and -2 in human illness is controversial and it is yet to be established whether BoDV-1 or -2 cause any overt disease in humans. However, correlative evidence exists linking BoDV-1/2 infection with neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder.

The mode of transmission of BoDV-1/2 is unclear but probably occurs through intranasal exposure to contaminated saliva or nasal secretions. Following infection, individuals may develop Borna disease, or may remain subclinical, possibly acting as a carrier of the virus.

Borna diseases viruses 1 and 2 appear to have wide host ranges, having been detected in horses, cattle, sheep, dogs and foxes. In 1995, BoDV-1 was isolated from cats suffering from a "staggering disease" in Sweden. Since that time, BoDV-1 has also been detected in cats in Japan and Britain.

Borna virus has been detected in humans, and researchers have presented evidence connecting these infections with psychiatric disorders.

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