Causes Of Aplastic Anemia

Viral Infections

Various viral infections have been known to cause aplastic anemia. Some of the most common culprits among these infections are the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV, otherwise known as human herpesvirus 4), parvovirus B19, hepatitis, HIV, and cytomegalovirus. It is rare to find documentation of some of these infections resulting in aplastic anemia, especially in the case of the Epstein-Barr Virus, which is often a precursor to the development of the highly contagious mononucleosis, but it can happen. In most cases, it seems these types of infections lead to severe cases of aplastic anemia, especially in children who have EBV.

Medications

There are currently some medications on the market that can cause aplastic anemia to occur. Prolonged exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as piroxicam, diclofenac, and indomethacin has been linked with reduced blood cells in the body. Antibiotics (including penicillin), anti-thyroid meds, orally taken hypoglycemics, and drugs used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have also been implicated as causes of aplastic anemia. Some of the drugs known to cause aplastic anemia are more commonly used outside of the United States, such as chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like typhoid fever and cholera.