Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Analyzing the Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model Induced by Adeno-associated Viral Vectors Encoding Human α-Synuclein
14:45

Analyzing the Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model Induced by Adeno-associated Viral Vectors Encoding Human α-Synuclein

Published on: July 29, 2022

6.1K

Microorganisms associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease

E Fernández-Espejo1

  • 1Laboratorio de Neurología Molecular, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Red Andaluza de Investigación Clínica y Traslacional en Neurología (Neuro-RECA), Málaga, Spain.

Neurologia
|June 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Certain microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses are linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. These pathogens may trigger neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in genetically susceptible individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Parkinson's disease (PD) affects over 7 million globally, with unknown etiology.
  • Genetic susceptibility to environmental agents is a leading hypothesis for PD.
  • Microorganisms are increasingly recognized as potential environmental triggers for PD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of various microorganisms in Parkinson's disease.
  • To explore the link between microbial infections and neuroinflammation in PD pathogenesis.
  • To identify specific pathogens associated with increased PD risk.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating microbial associations with PD.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data linking specific microorganisms to PD.
  • Examination of proposed mechanisms of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Main Results:

  • The fungal genus Malassezia, Helicobacter pylori, and hepatitis C virus are directly linked to increased PD risk.
  • Other viruses like influenza A, Japanese encephalitis B, St. Louis, and West Nile viruses show epidemiological associations.
  • Microbial entry into the nervous system can lead to chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

  • Microorganisms represent a significant environmental factor in Parkinson's disease etiology.
  • Genetic vulnerability influences the impact of microbial infections on PD development.
  • Further research into microbial triggers is crucial for understanding and potentially preventing PD.
Keywords:
MicroorganismMicroorganismoNeurodegeneraciónNeurodegenerationNeuroinflamaciónNeuroinflammationParkinsonParkinson’s disease

More Related Videos

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease08:09

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease

Published on: January 7, 2014

7.6K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease03:20

Author Spotlight: Exploring Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

Published on: September 22, 2023

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is...
732
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment01:24

Parkinson's Disease: Treatment

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
396
Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
40.4K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
129
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.3K