Psychiatry Investig.  2011 Mar;8(1):58-60.

Borna Disease Virus Antibody and RNA from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Race Horses and Jockeys in Korea

• Song JW
• Na KS
• Tae SH
• Kim YK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
During the last two decades, Borna disease virus (BDV) has received much attention as a possible zoonotic agent, particularly as a cause of psychiatric disease. Although several studies have shown that BDV is present in Asia, BDV has not been detected in Korea. This study was designed to further investigate the presence of BDV infection in Korea.
METHODS
Blood samples were taken from 39 race horses and 48 jockeys. Antibody to BDV was detected by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and RNA of BDV by real time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR).
RESULTS
No evidence of BDV was detected in either the horses or the jockeys group.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that BDV infection may not be endemic in Korea. Further studies with novel diagnostic tools are required to clarify the prevalence of BDV infection in Korea.

Keyword

Borna disease virus; Horses; Jockeys; Real time RT-P

MeSH Terms

Animals
Asia
Borna Disease
Borna disease virus
Continental Population Groups
Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
Horses
Humans
Korea
Prevalence
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
RNA
RNA