Infectious diseases causing autonomic dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Autonomic Nervous System

Background:

• Autonomic dysfunction can significantly impact patient morbidity.
• Identifying infectious causes is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize infectious diseases known to cause autonomic dysfunction.
• To consolidate information on the presentation and impact of these infections on the autonomic nervous system.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Published papers indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Autonomic dysfunction is associated with retroviruses (HIV), herpes viruses, flaviviruses, enteroviruses, and lyssaviruses.
• Bacterial infections like tetanus, botulism, and Lyme disease, as well as parasitic Chagas disease and leprosy, also manifest with autonomic dysfunction.
• Specific symptoms include orthostatic hypotension, reduced heart rate variability, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary retention.

Conclusions:

• Autonomic dysfunction is a recognized complication in a wide range of infectious diseases.
• These dysfunctions can lead to substantial additional morbidity in affected individuals.