The clinical spectrum and immunobiology of parainfectious neuromyelitis optica (Devic) syndromes

Devic Disease in Senegal, a West African Country: About Five Cases

“…These results were close to those found in several studies [7,8,10,11,12]. The Highlighting in our patients of oligoclonal IgG profile with intrathecal IgG synthesis was strongly suggestive of a chronic inflammatory disease of the brain [14].…”

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and varicella-zoster infection

“…Molecular mimicry relies on antigenic similarity between structural epitopes or peptide sequences of an infectious agent and host-proteins. Currently available data is not sufficient to confirm the pathogenic relevance of previous infections in the pathogenesis of NMOSD, as suggested by the temporal proximity [2,8].…”

“…Reviewing the literature, we found nine cases of NMOSD in association with VZV infection [2,[4][5][6]. All patients were female and full recovery occurred in 3/9 patients.…”

“…Sellner and colleagues reported that antecedent viral infections account for 15-35% in NMOSD and there is a predominant association with VZV [2]. Other viral infections associated with NMOSD have been reported and include human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, Dengue virus, Hepatitis A and Epstein-Barr Virus [2,7]. Mechanisms often used to explain the association of autoimmunity and virus infection are molecular mimicry and bystander activation.…”

“…The discovery of NMO-IgG and its target aquaporin-4 (AQP4) as a marker of NMO allowed a better understanding of the disease and, recently, a new definition and diagnostic criteria for NMO spectrum diseases (NMOSD) have been proposed [1]. In a subgroup of patients with NMOSD, a parainfectious pathogenesis may play a central role [2].…”