Psychosis following mycoplasma pneumonia

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Published on: February 24, 2023

Bonita Banerjee1, Kyle Petersen

  • 1Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, 10651 E. Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78419, USA.

Military Medicine
|September 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause rare organic brain syndrome in adults, including acute psychosis. This respiratory illness is common in military settings and should be considered in young individuals with mental status changes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae commonly causes respiratory infections.
  • Extrapulmonary manifestations, including central nervous system (CNS) syndromes, are known but rare.
  • Organic brain syndrome associated with M. pneumoniae is infrequently reported.

Observation:

  • A case of a 20-year-old midshipman presenting with acute psychosis after M. pneumoniae pneumonia is described.
  • A literature review identified 6 additional adult cases of M. pneumoniae-associated organic brain syndrome.
  • The patient experienced acute psychosis following pneumonia resolution.

Findings:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae can lead to rare but serious neurological complications.
  • Organic brain syndrome, manifesting as acute psychosis, is a potential sequela.
  • The incidence of M. pneumoniae-associated organic brain syndrome in adults is rare.

Implications:

  • M. pneumoniae should be considered as an organic cause of altered mental status in young adults, especially military recruits.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for CNS complications in patients with M. pneumoniae infections.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for appropriate management of M. pneumoniae-induced neurological syndromes.

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