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The possible relationship of herpes simplex virus infection to cause of retardation in severe mental handicap

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

A. H. Reid*
Affiliation:
Dundee Psychiatric Service, Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee, Departments of Bacteriology and Psychiatry, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee
K. W. Martin
Affiliation:
Dundee Psychiatric Service, Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee, Departments of Bacteriology and Psychiatry, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee
B. R. Ballinger
Affiliation:
Dundee Psychiatric Service, Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee, Departments of Bacteriology and Psychiatry, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee
B. B. Heather
Affiliation:
Dundee Psychiatric Service, Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee, Departments of Bacteriology and Psychiatry, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr A. H. Reid. Strathmartine Hospital, by Dundee DD3 OPG

Synopsis

The relationship between herpes simplex virus type 1 and mental retardation is explored by studying the antibody levels to this virus in a group of 86 severely and profoundly retarded adults. A tendency towards higher antibody levels is found in patients whose retardation is of unknown aetiology. The relationship of these observations to previous research findings and the possible significance of herpes simplex virus in the aetiology of mental retardation are discussed

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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