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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
[Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a previously healthy boy]
María Estela Cadario1, Alejandro Ellis2, Mónica Garea2
1INEI-ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
A 5-year-old boy experienced seizures due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. This is the first reported case confirming M. pneumoniae DNA in a brain biopsy for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 5-year-old boy presented with focal tonic-clonic seizures and mild fever.
- Initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis excluded common bacterial and viral infections.
- Serological tests indicated a possible Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
Findings:
- Brain biopsy confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae via polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Pathological examination revealed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
- This is the first documented case of M. pneumoniae DNA detection in a brain biopsy for ADEM.
Implications:
- Highlights Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a potential cause of ADEM in children.
- Emphasizes the utility of PCR on brain biopsy for diagnosing rare infectious etiologies of neurological disorders.
- Suggests early antibiotic treatment with clarithromycin may lead to favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
We present here the case of a previously healthy 5 year-old boy hospitalized in an intensive care unit due to tonic-clonic seizures focused on the face and right side of the body, and axillary temperature of 37.4°C. Common bacterial and viral etiology was ruled out through studies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was suspected by a positive immunofluorescence serum test for IgM class antibodies. Finally, with a brain biopsy, M. pneumoniae was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis by pathological anatomy. The patient was treated with clarithromycin and had an uneventful evolution. At least to our knowledge, this is the first case in which M. pneumoniae DNA was detected by PCR in a brain biopsy.
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