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Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated Central Nervous System Manifestations: Current Knowledge and Challenges
Oluwafemi M Akinnurun1, Roger Dumke1
1TU Dresden, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Dresden, Germany.
Background:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of human respiratory infections. Extrapulmonary manifestations include diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).
Methods:
To summarize the current knowledge on M. pneumoniae-associated CNS complications, cases published in PubMed between 2015 and 2025 were reviewed.
Results:
We included 70 studies with 207 patients. Various neurological manifestations were identified, affecting patients between the ages of 3 and 69. Cases of encephalitis predominated (72%). Diagnosis of M. pneumoniae involvement was confirmed primarily by the detection of specific antibodies in serum. The prodromal phase between respiratory and neurological symptoms (<7 vs ≥ 7 days) was distributed almost evenly. In most cases, antibiotics effective against mycoplasma are used (88%), and in 81% of patients, complete recovery was achieved.
Conclusions:
While the administration of antibiotics is accepted for the treatment of CNS manifestations, the use of other therapies is guided by the severity of the course and empirical considerations.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause central nervous system (CNS) complications, most commonly encephalitis. Prompt antibiotic treatment leads to recovery in most patients with these neurological manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of human respiratory infections.
- Extrapulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae can include central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current knowledge on M. pneumoniae-associated CNS complications.
- To analyze cases published between 2015 and 2025.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of cases published in PubMed.
- Inclusion of 70 studies comprising 207 patients.
- Analysis of neurological manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Neurological manifestations varied, affecting patients aged 3-69.
- Encephalitis was the predominant complication (72%).
- Diagnosis was confirmed by specific serum antibodies; 88% received mycoplasma-effective antibiotics, with 81% achieving full recovery.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic administration is standard for treating CNS manifestations.
- Additional therapies are based on disease severity and empirical evidence.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
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