Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

5.5K

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: an overview

S Esposito1, S Bianchini, E Baggi

  • 1Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda n. 9, 20122, Milan, Italy, susanna.esposito@unimi.it.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|June 24, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) links GABHS infections to neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. Current PANDAS treatments are symptomatic, with cognitive behavioral therapy as a primary approach.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is a syndrome linked to Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS) infections.
  • It presents with obsessions, compulsions, tics, and movement disorders in children.
  • Diagnosis relies on five criteria including OCD/tics, prepubertal onset, abrupt/relapsing course, GABHS association, and neurological abnormalities during exacerbations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current theories on PANDAS pathogenesis.
  • To identify potential treatments for PANDAS.
  • To highlight future research directions for PANDAS.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PANDAS pathogenesis theories.
  • Analysis of current PANDAS treatment strategies.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and future research needs.

Main Results:

  • PANDAS pathogenesis is complex and likely involves neurobiological mechanisms in genetically susceptible individuals following GABHS infections.
  • Current PANDAS management is primarily symptomatic.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (e.g., exposure and response prevention) with family support is the recommended first-line treatment.

Conclusions:

  • PANDAS is a complex neurobiological disorder potentially triggered by GABHS infections in susceptible children.
  • Standardized diagnostic criteria and specific biomarkers are needed for improved PANDAS diagnosis.
  • Further research is crucial for understanding PANDAS pathogenesis and developing targeted therapies.

More Related Videos

Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures to Detect and Study New Pathogenic Antibodies Involved in Autoimmune Encephalitis08:20

Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures to Detect and Study New Pathogenic Antibodies Involved in Autoimmune Encephalitis

Published on: June 2, 2022

5.1K
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

10.5K

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
11
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
18
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.9K
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...
11
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...
14
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
1.0K