Abstract
The Potential Link between Cytomegalovirus Infection and the Onset and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Author(s): Hamidreza Pazoki-Toroudi*, Yazdan Nazer and Shahnam ShamsabadiSchizophrenia is a prevalent and severe mental illness commonly encountered by clinicians. The etiology of this chronic psychiatric disorder remains unknown. Still, evidence suggests a complex genetic and neurobiological basis that impacts early brain development, leading to a combination of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganization, as well as motivational and cognitive dysfunctions. Research investigating the potential link between Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and the development or causation of schizophrenia through antibody titer tests in serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis has produced varied and sometimes conflicting findings. Some studies have observed an increase in the level of CMV antibodies in the blood samples of individuals with schizophrenia, along with higher levels of CMV antibodies in the CSF compared to control groups. Conversely, several studies have indicated no significant difference in the levels of Serum or CSF CMV antibodies between individuals with schizophrenia and those in the control group. Some studies have suggested that exposure to CMV may lead to cognitive impairment and reduced neurocognitive performance, potentially contributing to the development of schizophrenia. The limitations of these studies include small sample sizes, non-rigorous methodologies, and a lack of diversity in ethnic and epidemiological investigations. Therefore, further research into the correlation between CMV and schizophrenia is necessary to gain insight into the etiology of these conditions.