Bornavirus Infection

• First Described: Staggering disease was first described in the 1970s in Sweden (Kronevi et al., 1974). It was linked to BoDV infection in 1995 in Sweden (Lundgren et al., 1995)• Causes: Borna disease virus (BoDV) (species Mammalian 1 orthobornavirus), family Bornaviridae.• Affected Hosts: Mammalian 1 orthobornavirus mainly affects horses and sheep, but also cats, dogs, other equids, and ungulates.• Geographic Distribution: Europe (endemic in horses and sheep in Central Europe; in cats mainly reported in Sweden), worldwide serologic evidence of exposure in various species.• Primary Mode of Transmission: Not entirely known. Reservoirs (small mammals) have been suggested.• Major Clinical Signs: Gait disturbances and behavioral changes.• Differential Diagnoses: Other feline encephalitides and neoplastic diseases affecting the CNS.• Human Health Significance: A variant bornavirus (Mammalian 2 orthobornavirus) has been associated with three cases of fatal encephalitis in breeders of variegated squirrels. Also, at least eight cases of BoDV-1 in humans have been described further emphasizing the zoonotic potential for BoDV-1, especially in endemic regions. Suggested association of BoDV and neuropsychiatric disorders in humans is however still highly controversial.