Can infections cause neuropathy?

Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.

Can infections cause neuropathy?

Yes, infections can cause neuropathy. Certain viral, bacterial, and even fungal infections can lead to nerve damage, either directly through the infection itself or indirectly through the immune system’s response to the infection. Neuropathy resulting from infections can take various forms and may affect different types of nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Here are some infections known to cause neuropathy:

1. HIV/AIDS

HIV-associated neuropathy: Neuropathy is a common complication in people with HIV. It can result from the direct effects of the virus on the nerves or from the side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART). People with advanced HIV/AIDS may experience distal sensory polyneuropathy, which affects the feet and hands, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.
Inflammatory damage: The immune response to HIV can also lead to inflammation, which can further damage the peripheral nerves.

2. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): After a shingles outbreak (caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus), some people develop severe nerve pain in the affected area, known as postherpetic neuralgia. This is a type of neuropathy caused by the damage the virus does to the sensory nerves.
Sensory neuropathy: During the active phase of shingles, the virus attacks the nerves, leading to burning pain, itching, and sensory disturbances.

3. Lyme Disease

Lyme-associated neuropathy: Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through tick bites, can lead to peripheral neuropathy, particularly in the later stages of the infection. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
Facial nerve palsy (Bell’s palsy): In some cases, Lyme disease can cause inflammation of the facial nerve, leading to temporary paralysis on one side of the face.

4. Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis-related neuropathy: Both hepatitis B and C can lead to peripheral neuropathy, often through mechanisms involving immune-mediated damage to the nerves.
Cryoglobulinemia: In people with chronic hepatitis C, a condition called cryoglobulinemia (where abnormal proteins in the blood lead to inflammation and blockages in small blood vessels) can develop, causing neuropathy.

5. Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)

Leprosy-associated neuropathy: Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is known for affecting the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes. Nerve damage is a hallmark of the disease and often results in sensory loss, muscle weakness, and deformities in the hands and feet.
Chronic neuropathy: The bacteria target the peripheral nerves, particularly in cooler areas of the body like the hands, feet, and face, leading to loss of sensation and tissue damage.

6. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

CMV neuropathy: Cytomegalovirus (a type of herpesvirus) can cause neuropathy, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or organ transplant recipients. It often leads to painful sensory neuropathy.
Polyradiculopathy: In some cases, CMV can affect the nerve roots in the spine, causing a form of neuropathy known as polyradiculopathy, which can lead to weakness and sensory loss in the legs.

7. Diphtheria

Diphtheritic neuropathy: This bacterial infection, caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, can produce a toxin that leads to nerve damage. Neuropathy associated with diphtheria often manifests as weakness and paralysis, especially in the cranial nerves and respiratory muscles.
Polyneuropathy: Affects multiple nerves, leading to widespread motor and sensory symptoms.

8. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

EBV-related neuropathy: Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis (mono), can lead to neuropathy in some cases. Guillain-Barré syndrome, an immune-mediated neuropathy, has been associated with EBV infection, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

9. Zika Virus

Zika-associated neuropathy: Zika virus infection has been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing weakness and sometimes paralysis. Neuropathy may occur during or after Zika infection, with sensory and motor symptoms.

10. Syphilis

Neurosyphilis: In its later stages, untreated syphilis (caused by Treponema pallidum) can affect the nervous system, leading to a form of neuropathy known as tabes dorsalis, which causes degeneration of the sensory nerves in the spinal cord and loss of coordination and sensation in the lower extremities.

11. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

HSV-related neuropathy: Herpes simplex virus (both HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause neuropathy during outbreaks, particularly if the virus affects the nerves close to the site of infection. Herpes simplex can also lead to conditions like radiculopathy, which involves pain and weakness along the path of a nerve.

12. Influenza

Post-viral neuropathy: In rare cases, influenza (the flu) has been associated with the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the body’s immune response to the virus attacks the peripheral nerves.

Mechanisms of Infection-Induced Neuropathy

Infections cause neuropathy through several mechanisms:

Direct infection of nerves: Some infections, like leprosy or shingles, directly attack the peripheral nerves, causing inflammation and damage.
Immune-mediated nerve damage: In conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune response to an infection leads to an autoimmune attack on the nerves.
Inflammation: Many infections trigger widespread inflammation, which can affect the nerves and lead to neuropathy.
Vascular damage: Certain infections cause inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), reducing blood flow to nerves and causing ischemic nerve damage.

In summary, infections can cause neuropathy either by directly damaging the nerves or through the body’s immune response. Early detection and treatment of the underlying infection can help mitigate the severity of neuropathy and its long-term effects.

Jodi Knapp