Borna disease was first described over 200 years ago, in what is now Southeastern Germany, as a fatal neurologic affliction of horses and was considered a curiosity for many decades. The causative agent was unknown, and the animal species infected in nature were limited to horses and sheep. Today, as described in this volume, the host range has extended to all warm-blooded animals, the genes and proteins of the virus have been identified, and many of the mechanisms responsible for behavioral disturbances are understood. Serologic studies suggest that BDV or related agents are likely to play a role in human neuropsychiatric diseases.

List of Contents

Molecular Biology of Borna Disease Virus
Natural and Experimental Borna Disease in Animals
A Borna-Like Disease of Ostriches in Israel
Borna Disease-Neuropathology and Pathogenesis
Immunopathogenesis of Borna Disease
Behavioral Disturbances and Pharmacology of Borna Disease
Human Infections with Borna Disease Virus and Potential Pathogenic Implications.