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Relationship of movements and behaviors to Group A Streptococcus infections in elementary school children

Tanya K Murphy1, Lisa A Snider, P Jane Mutch

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. tmurphy@psychiatry.ufl.edu

Biological Psychiatry
|November 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus infections are linked to behavioral and movement changes in children, with repeated infections increasing the risk of PANDAS symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS) research investigates infection-triggered behavioral and movement changes in children.
  • The study explores the hypothesis linking streptococcal infections to neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically investigate the relationship between Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections and behavioral/movement changes in children.
  • To determine the prevalence and seasonal patterns of GAS infections and associated symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study of 693 children (ages 3-12) over 8 months.
  • Monthly data collection on GAS infections, tics, behavior, and choreiform movements via throat cultures and observation ratings.
  • Relational analyses to assess associations between GAS and observed symptoms.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between GAS infections and behavioral changes (RR=1.71, p < .0001).
  • Balance/swaying and non-tic grimacing were key contributors to this association (RR=2.92, p < .0001).
  • A seasonal pattern emerged, with higher GAS prevalence and symptom ratings in the fall. Repeated streptococcal infections correlated with increased behavioral and choreiform observations (p=.005).

Conclusions:

  • Motor and behavioral changes in children are associated with positive Group A Streptococcal cultures.
  • Evidence suggests that recurrent GAS infections elevate the risk of developing PANDAS-related symptoms.
Abstract

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