Parkinsonism associated with viral infection

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Pathology

Background:

• Secondary parkinsonism has diverse causes including trauma, stroke, infections, and medications.
• Viral agents are increasingly implicated in triggering parkinsonian symptoms, though mechanisms remain unclear.
• Lesions or inflammation in the basal ganglia/substantia nigra can impair dopaminergic pathways, causing extrapyramidal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on viral agents associated with secondary parkinsonism.
• To explore risk factors, pathophysiology, and prognosis of viral-induced parkinsonism.
• To provide an overview of the viral spectrum linked to parkinsonism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of viral agents linked to parkinsonism.
• Analysis of case reports and epidemiological data.
• Synthesis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Commonly associated viruses include EBV, hepatitis viruses, HIV, herpes viruses, influenza, coxsackie virus, and SARS-CoV-2.
• Pathophysiology involves basal ganglia or substantia nigra lesions/inflammation affecting dopaminergic pathways.
• Data on risk factors, case reports, and prognosis are presented for each virus.

Conclusions:

• Viruses represent a significant, albeit not fully understood, cause of secondary parkinsonism.
• Understanding the viral spectrum is crucial for diagnosis and management of parkinsonism.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of viral-induced parkinsonism.