HCV-related nervous system disorders

Clin Dev Immunol. 2012:2012:236148. doi: 10.1155/2012/236148. Epub 2012 Jul 30.

Abstract

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, affecting different organ systems. Neurological complications occur in a large number of patients and range from peripheral neuropathy to cognitive impairment. Pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for nervous system dysfunction are mainly related to the upregulation of the host immune response with production of autoantibodies, immune complexes, and cryoglobulins. Alternative mechanisms include possible extrahepatic replication of HCV in neural tissues and the effects of circulating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / virology
  • Hepacivirus / physiology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Muscular Diseases / etiology*
  • Muscular Diseases / virology
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / virology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / virology