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Infectious myelopathies

Joseph R Berger

    Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)
    |July 20, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    Spinal cord diseases (myelopathies) can be caused by various microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Pathogen types vary by population, with retroviruses and herpesviruses being notable causes in specific groups.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Spinal cord diseases, or myelopathies, are linked to a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and prions.
    • The specific pathogens causing myelopathy differ significantly across various global populations and individual risk factors.
    • Certain retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), are uniquely associated with myelopathy in specific populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the diverse spectrum of microbial pathogens implicated in spinal cord disease.
    • To highlight population-specific variations in the etiology of myelopathy.
    • To discuss the role of specific viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents in causing spinal cord pathology.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of studies on infectious agents causing myelopathy.
    • Analysis of pathogen prevalence in different demographic and geographic groups.
    • Categorization of causative agents based on microorganism type and host factors.

    Main Results:

    • In immunocompromised individuals, Herpesviridae family viruses, particularly cytomegalovirus and varicella-zoster virus, are significant causes of spinal cord disease.
    • While historically significant, bacterial causes like tabes dorsalis are now rare.
    • In developing nations, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and schistosomiasis remain prevalent causes of myelopathy.

    Conclusions:

    • Myelopathy presents a diverse range of infectious etiologies that are heavily influenced by host immune status and geographic location.
    • Understanding population-specific pathogen profiles is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of spinal cord infections.
    • Continued surveillance and research are necessary to address the global burden of infectious myelopathies.

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