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Published on: February 24, 2023

Frequent detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Bell's palsy

C Völter1, J Helms, B Weissbrich

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany. voelter.martinez@t-online.de

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
|October 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae frequently causes Bell's palsy (BP), even without respiratory symptoms. Routine screening for this infection is recommended for BP patients to identify the cause and guide treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • The etiology of Bell's palsy (BP) is largely unknown, though infectious causes are suspected.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen that can cause neurological complications.
  • Previous reports suggest a link between cranial nerve palsy and M. pneumoniae, but further investigation is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and Bell's palsy.
  • To determine the prevalence of M. pneumoniae seroconversion in Bell's palsy patients.
  • To assess the necessity of routine M. pneumoniae screening in Bell's palsy cases.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, herpes viruses (HSV-1/2, VZV), and M. pneumoniae was performed on 91 Bell's palsy patients.
  • Diagnosis of mycoplasmal infection was based on a threefold rise in antibody titer or specific antibody detection (IgA/IgM).
  • Patients were admitted to the University of Wuerzburg between 2000 and 2002.

Main Results:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae seroconversion was detected in 26.4% (24/91) of patients.
  • Only two patients reported mild respiratory symptoms, suggesting M. pneumoniae can cause Bell's palsy without typical respiratory signs.
  • Other infections like VZV, HSV-1, and Borrelia burgdorferi were found in a smaller proportion of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is frequently associated with Bell's palsy.
  • Routine screening for M. pneumoniae is crucial for Bell's palsy patients, irrespective of respiratory symptoms.
  • Identifying M. pneumoniae as a cause can aid in diagnosis and management of Bell's palsy.

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