Article Topic: Neuropathies Due to Infections and Antimicrobial Treatments

AbstractPurpose of eviewThe aim of this review is to discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and management of polyneuropathy (PN) in selected infections. Overall, most infection related PNs are an indirect consequence of immune activation rather than a direct result of peripheral nerve infection,   Schwann cell infection, or toxin production, though note this review will describe infections that cause PN through all these mechanisms. Rather than dividing them by each infectious agent separately, we have grouped the infectious neuropathies according to their presenting phenotype, to serve a s a guide to clinicians. Finally, toxic neuropathies related to antimicrobials are briefly summarized.Recent findingsWhile PN from many infections is decreasing, increasing evidence links infections to variants of GBS. Incidence of neuropathies secondary to use of HIV therapy has decreased over the last few years.SummaryIn this manuscript, a general overview of the more common infectious causes of PN will be discussed, dividing them across clinical phenotypes: large- and small-fiber polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barr é syndrome (GBS), mononeuritis multiplex, and autonomic neuropathy. Rare but important infectious causes are also discussed.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Neurology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research