Can infections produce mental illness ?

 As all of us may already know, infections are produce by virus or bacteria when the body is not able to produce an adequate response against them. This infections can affect multiple areas of the body, including the brain.

For example, studies have demonstrate that an infection called PANDA, produced by the streptococcus bacteria, may produce OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Also, infections that affect the amygdala* can produce permanent changes in the individual's behavior.

Infections can produce damage to the brain even before birth. Actually, sometimes schizophrenia can be produced by an infection produced this way.

However, in some cases, the symptoms of the mental illness can disappear once the infection has been fixed.

* Amygdala: structure of the brain that controls emotions