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Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection associated with affection of the central nervous system
Abstract:
A total of 371 patients with acute, febrile, non-bacterial affection of the CNS hospitalized between Nov. 1, 1971, and June 1, 1976, were examined for Mycoplasma (M.) pneumoniae infection. Nineteen of the patients showed evidence of a current M. pneumoniae infection, 32 of a previous infection, and 320 no evidence. In patients with a current infection due to M. pneumoniae, suggestive evidence is presented that this agent might be involved in the pathogenesis of the neurological syndromes. Compared to cases without the infection, these cases and, to a lesser degree, those with a previous M. pneumoniae infection showed an increased frequency of pathological values, found by various laboratory and instrumental parameters, and a slightly higher frequency of neurological sequelae. Respiratory illness was present in only 11 of the 19 patients infected with M. pneumoniae, a classical respiratory tract pathogen. The overall incidence of current M. pneumoniae infections among patients with neurological syndromes was 5%, with a maximum of 10% during the 1972 epidemic. This is a much higher figure than expected from a mere coincidence of the two conditions.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections may play a role in causing neurological syndromes. Patients with current or past M. pneumoniae infections showed more abnormal lab results and neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) affections can have various causes.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a known respiratory pathogen.
- The link between M. pneumoniae and neurological syndromes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in acute, febrile, non-bacterial CNS affections.
- To determine the incidence of M. pneumoniae infections in patients with neurological syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 371 hospitalized patients with acute CNS affections.
- Serological examination for current and previous Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
- Correlation of M. pneumoniae infection status with laboratory findings and neurological sequelae.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was identified in 19 patients (current) and 32 (previous).
- Patients with current M. pneumoniae infections showed increased pathological laboratory values and a higher frequency of neurological sequelae.
- Respiratory illness was infrequent (11/19) among infected patients, despite M. pneumoniae being a respiratory pathogen.
- The incidence of current M. pneumoniae infections in neurological patients was 5%, peaking at 10% during a 1972 epidemic.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae may be implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological syndromes.
- The findings suggest a link beyond mere coincidence, particularly during M. pneumoniae epidemics.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of M. pneumoniae-associated neurological disease.