Borna disease virus

Borna disease virus (BDV) is unique amongst animal RNA viruses in its molec ular biology and capacity to cause persistent, noncytolytic CNS-infection i n a wide variety of host species. Unlike other non-segmented negative-stran d RNA animal viruses, BDV replicates in the nucleus of the host cell where splicing is employed for expression of a very compact genome. Epidemiologic al studies indicate a broad host range and geographical distribution, and s ome investigators have proposed that human infection may result in neuropsy chiatric disorders. Experimental Borna disease in neonatal and adult rats p rovides an intriguing model for immune-mediated disturbances of brain devel opment and function. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.