Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Blood
07:20

A Simple Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay to Detect Autoantibody Against the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Blood

Published on: January 9, 2018

A Case of Ovarian Teratoma-Associated Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis in the Presence of Group A Streptococcus

Anna Blach1, Shannon Kiss1, Alexandra Fontaine2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA, rwjbh.org.

Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 25, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case highlights anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in a young woman with ovarian teratoma and Group A Streptococcus infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this severe autoimmune neurological condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Infectious Triggers

Background:

  • Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe autoimmune condition.
  • It is often linked to ovarian teratomas, but infectious causes are less understood.
  • This case involves a concurrent Group A Streptococcus infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma and Group A Streptococcus.
  • To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
  • To explore potential infectious triggers in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 25-year-old African American woman.
  • Clinical course, diagnostic evaluation, and multidisciplinary treatment are detailed.
  • Informed consent was obtained for publication.

Main Results:

  • Patient presented with acute psychiatric symptoms, initially treated for schizoaffective disorder.
  • Deterioration led to detection of anti-NMDAR antibodies and bilateral ovarian teratomas.
  • Treatment included IVIG, corticosteroids, surgery, and plasma exchange, resulting in improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Emphasizes considering anti-NMDAR encephalitis in young women with psychiatric symptoms and neurological decline.
  • Highlights the importance of pelvic imaging for teratomas and infectious workup.
  • Suggests a possible role for Group A Streptococcus as an infectious trigger, though causality requires further research.
Keywords:
Group A Streptococcusanti-NMDAR encephalitisgynecologyneurologyovarian teratomapsychiatry

More Related Videos

High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum10:19

High-throughput Flow Cytometry Cell-based Assay to Detect Antibodies to N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor or Dopamine-2 Receptor in Human Serum

Published on: November 23, 2013

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...
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...
Toxoplasmosis01:28

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...