Microorganisms in Pathogenesis and Management of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Publisher



Moghadasi AN¹ ; Rezaeimanesh N¹
Source: Role of Microorganisms in Pathogenesis and Management of Autoimmune Diseases: Volume II: Kidney# Central Nervous System# Eye# Blood# Blood Vessels and Bowel Published:2023

Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with astrocytopathy characteristics. Antibodies against aquaporin-4 water channels which are mainly located in astrocyte podocytes play an important role in NMOSD pathogenesis. Like other autoimmune disorders, it seems that both genetic and environmental factors are involved in NMOSD risk, but the role of environmental risk factors is more significant. Infections are known to be an effective factor not only in the incidence but also in the exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. In this chapter, the roles of microorganisms in two categories of viruses and bacteria in the pathogenesis and management of NMOSD patients are discussed. In this regard the relation between infection with tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2, varicella-zoster virus, dengue virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus 2 and Zika virus, as well as gut microbiome and NMOSD occurrence are mentioned. On the other hand, susceptibility of NMOSD patients for developing infectious diseases due to receiving immunosuppressive drugs and the role of infection in NMOSD attack and disease exacerbation are outlined. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.