Last update:
06-Dec-2017

Mycoplasma pneumoniae accounts for a significant proportion of respiratory infections in school-age children, and extra-pulmonary manifestations are frequent in this age group. This is a review of neurological manifestations in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The most frequent neurological manifestations include (meningo) encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis and cerebellitis. Diagnosis is based on the detection of specific antibodies in the serum, while cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is usually negative. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is most probably based on a cross-reacting immune response. The therapeutic approach includes antibiotic and immunomodulatory treatment. The presentation of neurological symptoms and signs in children with atypical pneumonia must raise the suspicion of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Key words: Children, Encephalitis, Guillain-Barré, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Myelitis, Nervous system.