Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens
10:08

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Detection of Central Nervous System Pathogens

Published on: April 17, 2026

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and central nervous system complications: a review

Randeep Guleria1, Nazima Nisar, Tirlok Chand Chawla

  • 1Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India. randeepg@hotmail.com

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|August 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause serious central nervous system (CNS) complications, including encephalitis and meningitis. This review details these extrapulmonary manifestations and diagnostic approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia.
  • Extrapulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae, particularly central nervous system (CNS) involvement, are not well understood.
  • CNS complications are the most common extrapulmonary manifestation, affecting up to 7% of hospitalized patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the reported CNS complications associated with M. pneumoniae infections.
  • To highlight the spectrum of neurological presentations caused by M. pneumoniae.
  • To discuss potential mechanisms and diagnostic advancements for extrapulmonary M. pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies reporting CNS manifestations in M. pneumoniae infections.
  • Analysis of common neurological presentations, including encephalitis, meningitis, polyradiculitis, ataxia, and myelitis.
  • Discussion of proposed pathogenic mechanisms (direct invasion, neurotoxins, immune-mediated).

Main Results:

  • Central nervous system involvement is a significant extrapulmonary manifestation of M. pneumoniae.
  • Common neurological syndromes include encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, polyradiculitis, cerebellar ataxia, and myelitis.
  • Emerging diagnostic techniques aid in identifying extrapulmonary M. pneumoniae disease.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae can lead to a diverse range of serious central nervous system complications.
  • The exact mechanisms underlying these neurological manifestations require further investigation.
  • Improved diagnostic tools are crucial for recognizing and managing extrapulmonary M. pneumoniae infections.

More Related Videos

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae06:04

Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Published on: February 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...