Rare Diseases You've Never Heard Of

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

PML is a rare and often fatal viral disease of the brain characterized by damage to the myelin sheath covering nerve cells. Most adults are infected by the virus that causes PML, but it requires a severely reduced immune system to take effect. Most cases occur in people with HIV/AIDS or cancer or who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

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Review Date: 
February 28, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
July 1, 2014