Topics tagged with "Infectious agents"

Infectious agents

How are infectious agents related to bipolar disorder? Several markers of infectious agents have been investigated in people with mental disorders due to their neurological interactions. Any association between these agents and risk of subsequent bipolar disorder remains unclear. Infectious agents include Toxoplasma gondii and Borna Disease Virus. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoa usually hosted by domestic cats and other warm-blooded animals, including humans. Borna Disease Virus is the key causative component of Borna disease, a neurological syndrome primarily affecting animals, but sometimes humans. What is the evidence for markers of infectious agents in people with bipolar disorder? Moderate…

Infectious agents

How are infectious agents related to risk for bipolar disorder? Exposure to infection is often cited as a risk factor for schizophrenia and has recently been investigated in bipolar disorder. This topic summarises the available evidence for the risk of developing bipolar disorder following exposure to influenza and other infectious agents, both before and after birth. The physiological mechanisms underlying any associations are largely unclear. Please also see the topic in Physical Features on markers for infectious agents in adults with bipolar disorder. What is the evidence for infectious agents as risk factors for bipolar disorder? Moderate to low quality…

Infectious agents

How are infectious agents related to schizophrenia? This topic summarises the available evidence on markers of earlier infection (antibodies) in adults with schizophrenia. Please also see the infectious agents as risk factors topic. The Herpesviridae are a family of viruses which cause latent, recurring, and sometimes lifelong infections. These include Herpes simplex virus (HHV1 & 2) which causes oral and/or genital herpes; the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV,HHV3) which causes chicken pox, shingles and rarely, encephalitis; the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV, HHV4) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV, HHV5) which cause neurological complications; and the Herpes lymphotropic virus (HHV6), which causes roseola (skin rash and…

Infectious agents

How are infectious agents related to risk for schizophrenia? Increased exposure to infections prior to the onset of schizophrenia has been recognised, which suggests infections may be involved in its aetiology. Potential mechanisms for this association include direct impacts of infections on the brain, immune activation, inflammatory cytokines, and alterations in the gut microbiota. This topic summarises the available evidence for the risk of developing schizophrenia following exposure to infectious agents, both before and after birth. For further information, please also see the maternal illness, infectious agents and immunological changes topics. What is the evidence for infectious agents as risk…

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