Hepatitis increases the risk of Parkinson's disease

According to Zee News, people infected with the hepatitis B or C virus are prone to Parkinson's disease. This was shown by a new study conducted by specialists from Oxford University. The scientists have analyzed data from people with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis and HIV for 1999-2011.

The scientists have found that Parkinson's disease developed in 44 people with hepatitis B (compared to 25 cases in the general population). In addition, Parkinson's disease was determined in 73 people with hepatitis C (compared to 49 cases in the general population). Thus, in participants with hepatitis B, the risk of development of Parkinson's disease was increased by 76% and in volunteers with hepatitis C - by 51%.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through the blood, and hepatitis B - through the blood and body fluids of infected person. The scientists suggest that the virus by itself or hepatitis drugs increase the likelihood of development of Parkinson's disease. But there can be other factors that increase the risk of hepatitis and neurodegenerative disease.

Source: Zee News.