Prenatal Infections and Schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction

Schizophreniais a psychiatric disorder with multiple causes, including genetic, immune, environmental causes of various kinds, which all increase the vulnerability andpredisposition to the disorder. Among them stand out prenatal infections, thusbeing a preventable risk potential factor in our daily clinical practice.

Objetives

To analyze the relation between prenatal infecions andschizophrenia.

Methods

Review of the subject and recent articles on schizophreniain Psychiatric guides and magazines.

Results

After analyzing several studies, it have shown that prenatal infections, where the nervous system is not yet fully developed, may be a risk factorfor the development of schizophreniain adults, in relation with genetically predisposed individuals. Infections such as influenza, especiallyduring the first quarter of gestation;rubella, toxoplasma and herpes simplex virus-type 2 are related topotencially increase risk of suffer schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Prenatal infections, especially in the firstquarter and the periconceptional period, constitute a risk factor inindividuals with vulnerability to develop schizophrenia. Awareness andprevention is important in the pregnant population of the influence of theseinfections on the possible origin of psychotic episodes.