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, and this is often referred to as infectious neuropathy. Infections can directly invade the nervous system or trigger an immune response that results in nerve damage. Several infections are known to cause neuropathy, including:

Viral Infections:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): HSV, particularly the type 1 (oral) and type 2 (genital) strains, can lead to herpes zoster (shingles), a viral infection that affects the sensory nerves. This can cause painful, burning sensations, usually in a specific area of the body.
- Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV): The same virus that causes chickenpox can cause shingles later in life, leading to postherpetic neuralgia, a form of neuropathy that causes persistent pain even after the rash heals.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): HIV can directly damage the nervous system, leading to HIV-associated neuropathy, which can cause pain, tingling, and weakness in the limbs.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): CMV infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, can cause neuropathy as part of a broader systemic infection.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): EBV has been associated with neuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system after an infection.
Bacterial Infections:
- Leprosy (Hansen’s disease): Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, leprosy affects the peripheral nerves, leading to loss of sensation and motor function.
- Lyme Disease: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease can lead to neuropathy, particularly in the form of Lyme neuropathy or Bartonella-associated neuropathy.
- Tuberculosis (TB): In rare cases, TB infections, particularly if they affect the central nervous system or cause meningitis, can lead to neuropathy.
- Diphtheria: Caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, diphtheria can cause nerve damage, particularly in the peripheral nervous system, leading to weakness and loss of sensation.
- Campylobacter jejuni: This bacteria is one of the most common triggers for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare but severe autoimmune disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and sensory loss.
Parasitic Infections:
- Malaria: In rare cases, malaria can lead to neuropathy as a result of nerve damage from the infection, especially in severe or chronic cases.
- Schistosomiasis: Caused by parasitic worms, schistosomiasis can affect the nervous system, potentially leading to neuropathy in severe cases.
- Toxoplasmosis: In immunocompromised individuals (such as those with HIV), Toxoplasma gondii infection can lead to central nervous system damage, which may include neuropathy.
Fungal Infections:
- Cryptococcosis: This fungal infection, often seen in immunocompromised individuals (such as those with HIV/AIDS), can lead to meningeal infection, which may cause neuropathy.
Autoimmune Response Triggered by Infections:
- In some cases, infections can trigger an autoimmune response that leads to neuropathy. For example, Guillain-Barré syndrome is often preceded by a bacterial or viral infection (like Campylobacter jejuni or influenza), and the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves.

How Infections Cause Neuropathy

Infections can cause neuropathy in different ways:

Direct invasion: Some infections directly invade the nerves, leading to inflammation and nerve damage.
Immune response: The body’s immune system, while fighting an infection, can mistakenly attack healthy nerve tissue, causing inflammation and damage.
Toxin production: Certain infections, such as those caused by bacteria like Clostridium species, produce toxins that can damage nerve tissue.

If you suspect that an infection may be contributing to neuropathy, it’s important to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Treating the underlying infection or managing the immune response can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.

Jodi Knapp