Hungarian researchers have found specific genes which might be used to diagnose schizophrenia in a simple blood test.

Researchers from Hungary's Szeged Biology Centre found that two genes in schizophrenia patients' white blood cells show a higher level of activity than those in healthy people.

Laszlo Puskas, head of the team and Genetic Institute of the Centre, said on Thursday that the initial finding is based on a small group of 24 patients, and extensive clinical testing can begin afterwards.

"We need to determine the specificity of the test - whether the modified genetic activity is exclusive to schizophrenia patients or can it be found in people with other mental disorders such as depression," Puskas said.

They are also hunting for other telltale genetic differences for schizophrenia, Puskas added, "we really need 10-15 genes that act differently for a reliable diagnosis."

According to Puskas, the team has formed a spin-off company to handle the business aspects of the process. An initial grant of 90,000 euros has been raised, but it will need European Union

funding to keep the project rolling.

Puskas plans to form a consortium with a foreign firm. He is counting on spending another three years in intensive research, which should be followed by at least two years of large-scale clinical testing. That means the method can be marketed in five to seven years, Puskas said.