Viral Infections and Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder with multiple genetic and environmental factors contributing to its pathogenesis. Viral infections have been suggested to be one of the environmental factors associated with the development of this disorder. We comprehensively review all relevant published literature focusing on the relationship between schizophrenia and various viral infections, such as influenza virus, herpes virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), retrovirus, coronavirus, and Borna virus. These viruses may interfere with the normal maturation of the brain directly or through immune-induced mediators, such as cytokines, leading to the onset of schizophrenia. Changes in the expression of critical genes and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines have been linked to virally-induced infections and relevant immune activities in schizophrenia. Future research is necessary to understand this relationship better and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Keywords: congenital infections; pregnancy and viral infections; prenatal viral infections; schizophrenia.

Figure 1

Various intracellular pathways have been reported to be associated with the development of schizophrenia. Created with BioRender.com: https://www.biorender.com/ accessed on 28 February 2023.

Figure 2

Viruses targeting neuron cells and their relevant cellular receptors. Created with BioRender.com: https://www.biorender.com/ accessed on 28 February 2023.