A pediatric case of peripheral polyneuropathy with IgM anti-GM1 antibody associated with A group a beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection

Pediatr Neurol. 2014 Sep;51(3):441-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.03.019. Epub 2014 Mar 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Postinfectious peripheral neuropathy can be associated with various viral or bacterial infections. Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection can lead to neurological disorders, which involve predominantly the central nervous system, whereas peripheral neuropathy during childhood is rare.

Patient description: We describe a 12-year-old boy who presented with peripheral polyneuropathy associated with Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection. Anti-GM1 IgM was significantly elevated in his serum during the acute phase, which suggested that it was related with the pathophysiology in this patient.

Conclusion: Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infection may cause peripheral neuropathy via the autoimmune system and glycolipids.

Keywords: GABHS infection; antiglycolipids antibody; childhood; peripheral polyneuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Child
  • G(M1) Ganglioside / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood*
  • Male
  • Neural Conduction
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / immunology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / immunology
  • Streptococcal Infections / physiopathology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • G(M1) Ganglioside