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Neurological complications associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. A case report
H Rabay-Chacar1, E Rizkallah, N I Hakimeh
1Pediatrics Department, St George Hospital (SGH), Beirut, Liban. chacar@inco.com.lb
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a frequent cause of respiratory tract infection. Extra-pulmonary manifestations may be neurological with variable expression, encephalitis being the most frequent. Meningitis, myelitis or polyradiculoneuritis are also reported. The pathophysiology of neurological manifestations remains poorly understood. Although not isolated from cerebral tissue, MP was reportedly detected in cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) on several occasions. We report the case of a five-year-old girl who presented with fever, then pneumonia, and later developed spastic quadriparesis. MP was identified as the causative agent, evidenced by the presence of specific antibodies in both serum and CSF. The identification of a central nervous syndrome associated with confirmed MP infection extends the list of similar cases documented in individuals younger than 17 years of age.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) can cause neurological issues beyond lung infections. This case highlights MP-associated spastic quadriparesis in a child, confirmed by antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common cause of respiratory infections.
- Neurological complications, such as encephalitis, can arise from MP infections.
- The mechanisms behind these neurological manifestations are not fully understood.
Observation:
- A five-year-old girl developed fever and pneumonia, followed by spastic quadriparesis.
- MP infection was confirmed through specific antibody detection in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Findings:
- The patient's neurological syndrome was directly linked to a confirmed MP infection.
- This case adds to the documented instances of MP-related central nervous system syndromes in pediatric patients.
Implications:
- This case reinforces the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and central nervous system disorders in children.
- Further research into MP's pathophysiology in neurological complications is warranted.
- Clinicians should consider MP in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neurological syndromes in children, especially after respiratory illness.