Serum and CSF antibody levels to herpes simplex type 1, measles and rubella viruses in patients with schizophrenia.

Serum and CSF specimens from 12 schizophrenic patients and 10 non-psychiatric controls were tested for herpes simplex type 1 virus neutralizing antibody and for measles and rubella haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies. There were no significant differences in the distribution of virus antibody titres in serum or CSF specimens between the patients and the controls. The possible aetiological role of viruses or virus-like agents in schizophrenia and some methodological aspects are discussed.