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Neurological Manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection in Hospitalized Adults During the 2023-2024 French

Matthieu Holub1, Ariane Gavaud1, Céline Louapre2

  • 1Sorbonne Université, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié Salpetrière, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (iPLESP), INSERM U1136, Paris, France.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|July 23, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections can cause rare but serious neurological issues in adults, affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. These manifestations lead to severe illness, prolonged hospital stays, and lasting disability.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common cause of respiratory infections.
  • MP can also lead to neurological complications, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • This study investigated MP-related neurological manifestations in adults during a French epidemic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) manifestations associated with MP infection in adults.
  • To assess the clinical course, severity, and outcomes of these neurological complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of data from the MYCADO cohort (1309 adults hospitalized with MP).
  • Identification and detailed description of patients with MP-related neurological manifestations.
  • Clinical follow-up for up to 3 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

  • 2.1% of MP patients (28/1309) exhibited neurological manifestations.
  • CNS involvement included encephalitis, myelitis, meningitis, and vasculitis; PNS involvement included Guillain-Barré syndrome, polyneuropathy, and multifocal neuropathy.
  • Neurological manifestations were associated with increased intensive care unit admission, longer hospital stays, mechanical ventilation, and persistent neurological sequelae at 3 months, particularly in CNS and Guillain-Barré syndrome cases.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can trigger diverse and severe neurological manifestations in adults.
  • These neurological complications significantly worsen the clinical course and prognosis.
  • MP-related neurological issues can result in long-term disability.
Keywords:
Guillain-Barré syndromeMycoplasma pneumoniaeencephalitisinfectionneurological

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