Eating Disorders - Causes

Infections

In some cases, infection has been associated with anorexia. In such cases, immune factors released to fight these infections may cause inflammation and injury in the areas of the brain that affect appetite and behavior.

Streptococcal Infection. The bacteria responsible for strep throat and rheumatic fever--called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS)--is now a suspect in some cases of anorexia. Some children who have been infected with this bacteria develop a syndrome that includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, and anorexia nervosa. The syndrome is called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus). More research is needed to confirm this as an actual cause of anorexia and to determine if it may be treatable with antibiotics.

Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr, the virus that causes mononucleosis, has also been associated with the development of anorexia.

Click the icon to see an image of infectious mononucleosis.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6   previous | next

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page