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Study hepatitis B and hepatitis C increase the risk of Parkinson's
Parkinson's is a widespread disease of the central nervous system. Researchers have now found that hepatitis B and hepatitis C are associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
The researchers from the internationally recognized University of Oxford found in their study that hepatitis B and hepatitis C lead to an increased probability of developing Parkinson's. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Neurology".
Parkinson's is widespread and every year the number of those affected is growing. Physicians have now found that hepatitis B and hepatitis C massively increase the risk for Parkinson's. (Image: Astrid Gast - fotolia) How common is Parkinson's in Germany?
In Germany alone, about 300,000 people suffer from Parkinson's. Most sufferers fall ill in the period between 50 and 70 years. It is estimated that about 20,000 new Parkinson's diseases are added each year.
People with hepatitis are at increased risk for Parkinson's
If people are infected with hepatitis viruses, they have an up to about 75 percent increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, the authors explain. The nervous system is a known target of the virus and as soon as they leave the liver, it can lead to a Parkinson's diagnosis, the researchers explain.
How many people in America suffer from hepatitis?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 850,000 and 2.2 million people in the US are infected with chronic hepatitis B, while an estimated 2.7 million to 3.9 million people have chronic hepatitis C, the researchers said authors.
How is hepatitis transmitted??
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person, such as unprotected sex, tattooing or piercing with unsterile needles or tools. Even sharing toothbrushes and razors with infected people can lead to illness. Hepatitis C is transmitted exclusively through blood-to-blood contact. Again, needles, razors and toothbrushes are a possible route of infection. The disease can also be passed on to their children by infected pregnant mothers, say the scientists.
Many sufferers know nothing about their illness
While both forms of hepatitis can cause serious illness, many people have few symptoms and therefore do not know that they have the virus, the authors explain. For the current study by the University of Oxford in the UK, the researchers looked at the records of nearly 100,000 people.
Trembling in one hand may be the first sign of Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease is a so-called progressive neurological disorder. The disease develops gradually and sometimes begins with a barely noticeable tremor in one of the hands, say the doctors. Trembling is probably the most prominent sign of the disease, but it also often causes stiffness and slowing of movement.
Other signs and symptoms of Parkinson's include:
- tremor
- Slowed movements
- Rigid muscles
- Impaired posture and balance
- Changes in language
- Changes in writing
Parkinson's can not be cured yet. However, medications can help those affected to better manage the disease and control their symptoms, the researchers explain.
What is the risk of hepatitis B or C developing Parkinson's??
According to the researchers, people with hepatitis B have a 76 percent increased risk of developing Parkinson's. People with hepatitis C show a 51 percent increased disease risk.
Exact connection is still unclear
The researchers are not sure what exactly the connection between the virus and Parkinson's condition, but they have some assumptions. It is possible that the hepatitis virus itself or perhaps the treatment of infections could play a role in triggering Parkinson's disease, the experts speculate. It may also be that simply susceptible people for hepatitis infections are also more prone to Parkinson's. "We hope the identification of this relationship can help us better understand how Parkinson's disease develops," the authors add. According to the researchers, people with autoimmune hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis and HIV did not have an elevated rate of Parkinson's. (As)