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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:12
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
[Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococci: a case report]
M Fernández Ibieta1, J T Ramos Amador, I Auñón Martínc
1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain. mfndezIbieta@hotmail.com
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|May 6, 2005
Summary
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococci (PANDAS) syndrome, a rare condition, may be triggered by streptococcal infections. Early penicillin treatment can improve symptoms in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, including Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, are common.
- Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococci (PANDAS) is a recently described condition.
- The exact cause of PANDAS is unknown, but it is linked to Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy presented with sudden onset of tics and compulsions following a pharyngitis episode.
- Biochemical tests revealed elevated antistreptolysin O (ASLO) and anti-DNAse titers, with a positive GAS pharyngeal culture.
- Initial treatment with valproic acid showed limited effect, but symptoms improved significantly with a 10-day course of penicillin.
Findings:
- The patient's case aligns with the diagnostic criteria for probable PANDAS syndrome.
- ASLO levels decreased, and symptom improvement was sustained after penicillin treatment, even after discontinuing valproic acid.
- This case represents a potential first description of PANDAS syndrome in Spain.
Implications:
- The findings support the association between GAS infections and neuropsychiatric symptoms in children.
- Penicillin treatment appears effective in managing PANDAS exacerbations.
- Further research, including immunohistochemical studies, is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis of PANDAS syndrome.
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