Abstract
Infectious Diseases as a Potential Risk Factor for Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism: A Scoping Review
Pages: 1-13
Category: Review
Published Date: 25-12-2025
Paula Abola 1* , Dita Cerina 2
Author Affiliation:
1 Faculty of Business and Management Studies, European International University, 59 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris, France
2 Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas iela 6a, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
* Correspondence: paula.abola@uj.edu;
Keywords:
Parkinsonism, neuroinflammation, bradykinesia
Abstract:
Parkinsonism is a syndrome characterized by bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability, with Parkinson’s disease (PD) being the most common cause. Increasing evidence suggests that infectious diseases may play a role in triggering or exacerbating Parkinsonian symptoms through direct neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, or alterations in the gut--brain axis. \textbf{Methods:} A scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines was conducted. PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases were searched for studies examining infections, PD, and Parkinsonism. Eligible studies assessed infection-related PD or Parkinsonism risk and symptom modulation. \textbf{Results:} Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Several infections were linked to Parkinsonism, with chronic viral infections such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), and bacterial infections including \textit{Helicobacter pylori} and \textit{Clostridium difficile}, associated with an increased risk of PD, while some infections showed no significant effect. Acute infections, such as urinary tract and respiratory infections, were frequently linked to transient worsening of symptoms. Antiviral therapy and \textit{H. pylori} eradication demonstrated potential benefits, although findings were inconsistent. \textbf{Conclusion:} The relationship between infections and PD is complex, with certain infections potentially triggering or worsening symptoms, while others appear neutral or protective. Understanding infection-related mechanisms of neurodegeneration is essential for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal links and optimize infection management in PD.