Prenatal exposure to influenza and the risk of subsequent development of schizophrenia

Isr Med Assoc J. 2005 Jan;7(1):35-8.

Abstract

Various events occurring during pregnancy might influence the normal neurogenesis of fetus brain, including exposure to the influenza virus. Several studies have attempted to find a relationship between exposure to influenza virus and the onset of schizophrenic behavior in childhood or adulthood, however results remain contradictory. In this review we describe several animal and human studies that show or do not show a relationship between exposure to the influenza virus during pregnancy and the subsequent development of schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Causality
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Maternal Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology*