Bornaviruses

Bornaviruses are a genus of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses in the order Mononegavirales and family Bornaviridae. The most well-known member is Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), which causes Borna disease in animals, particularly horses and sheep. Borna disease is a neurological disorder characterized by behavioral changes, motor dysfunction, and eventual death. Transmission is thought to occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as saliva, or via inhalation of aerosols.

The virus is known for its ability to establish persistent infections, often lifelong, within the central nervous system of its hosts. This persistence is thought to be facilitated by the virus's slow replication cycle and its ability to evade the host immune response. While primarily known for its veterinary significance, there has been research into the potential role of bornaviruses in human neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. However, the evidence for a direct causal link in humans remains controversial and is an active area of scientific investigation.

Bornaviruses have a relatively simple genome, encoding a limited number of structural and non-structural proteins. These include the nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and the large polymerase protein (L). The glycoprotein is important for viral entry into host cells and is a target for the host immune response. Diagnosis in animals typically involves serological tests to detect antibodies or molecular methods to detect viral RNA in clinical samples. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Borna disease; management focuses on supportive care. Understanding the pathogenesis and transmission of bornaviruses is crucial for both animal health and ongoing research into their potential impact on human health.