Could chronic HBV infection explain Beethoven's hearing loss? Implications for patients currently living with hepatitis B

The cause of Ludwig van Beethoven's health deterioration, i.e., hearing loss and cirrhosis, have been subject to various studies. The genomic analysis of Beethoven's hair indicates infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) at least 6 months prior to death. However, considering his first documented case of jaundice in the summer of 1821, second jaundice months prior to his death, and increased risk of hearing loss in HBV-infected patients, we offer an alternative hypothesis of chronic HBV infection as a cause of deafness and cirrhosis.
Source: Journal of Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research