Early-to-midlife infections that require hospital care are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease later in life, a new study reports.
Chronic viral infections have a profound and lasting impact on the immune system in a similar way to aging. Chronic inflammation that occurs as a result of immune system dysregulation is often seen in diseases associated with aging.
The misconception that young people are more immune to COVID-19 is dangerous, and ignoring social distancing measures means the virus is more likely to spread among the young.
Researchers report the median time from exposure to symptoms for the COVID-19 virus is 5.1 days. 97.5% of people who develop symptoms of coronavirus will do so within 11.5 days of exposure. For every 10,000 people quarantined for 14 days, an estimated 101 would develop symptoms after release.
Infections in the intestine may contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by damaging the gut's nervous system. Researchers explore why neurons in the gut die as a result of infection and how the immune system normally protects them. The findings could provide new avenues of treatment for IBS.
Several infections have been linked to increased risk of ischemic stroke. The strongest link was found between urinary tract infections, which increased stroke risk by more than three times within 30 days of infection.
Researchers report sleep can help immune cells attach to targets and help fight infection. The study reveals how sleep assists the body in fighting infections, whereas conditions like chronic stress can make the body more susceptible to illness.
WUSTL researchers report viruses such as West Nile and Zika can kill neurons in the gut, disrupting bowel movements and causing intestinal blockages.
A new study appears to add to the growing evidence that the immune system may play a vital role in some psychiatric disorders.
Researchers report they have solved the puzzle as to how antibodies enter the nervous system to control viral infections.
