People infected with hepatitis face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a new UK analysis.
Researchers found that those with the hepatitis B virus were 76% more likely than others to develop Parkinson’s – while the C virus was linked to a 51% increased risk.
The findings were published last night in the journal Neurology.
The Oxford University researchers say there are several possible reasons for the link.
The findings come from an analysis of British hospital records. These found 22,000 people with hepatitis B and 48,000 with hepatitis C.
Researcher Julia Pakpoor said: “The development of Parkinson’s disease is complex, with both genetic and environmental factors.
“It’s possible that the hepatitis virus itself or perhaps the treatment for the infection could play a role in triggering Parkinson’s disease or it’s possible that people who are susceptible to hepatitis infections are also more susceptible to Parkinson’s disease."
She added: "We hope that identifying this relationship may help us to better understand how Parkinson’s disease develops.”
Neurology 29 March 2017
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