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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
06:04
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.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|June 12, 2026
Summary
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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