Alterations in the Nervous System and Gut Microbiota after β -Hemolytic Streptococcus Group A Infection-Characteristics and Diagnostic Criteria of PANDAS Recognition

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2020-02, Vol.21 (4), p.1476
• Main Authors: Baj, Jacek, Sitarz, Elżbieta, Forma, Alicja, Wróblewska, Katarzyna, Karakuła-Juchnowicz, Hanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autoantibodies - immunology; Autoimmune Diseases - diagnosis; Autoimmune Diseases - genetics; Autoimmune Diseases - immunology; Autoimmune Diseases - psychology; Basal Ganglia - immunology; diagnostic criteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome - immunology; gut microbiota; Humans; nervous system; Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis; Nervous System Diseases - genetics; Nervous System Diseases - immunology; Nervous System Diseases - psychology; obsessive-compulsive disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - diagnosis; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - genetics; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - immunology; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - psychology; pandas; pans; pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome; pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections; psychiatry; Review; Streptococcal Infections - diagnosis; Streptococcal Infections - genetics; Streptococcal Infections - immunology; Streptococcal Infections - psychology; Syndrome; β-hemolytic streptococcus group a
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041476

The objective of this paper is to review and summarize conclusions from the available literature regarding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The authors have independently reviewed articles from 1977 onwards, primarily focusing on the etiopathology, symptoms, differentiation between similar psychiatric conditions, immunological reactions, alterations in the nervous system and gut microbiota, genetics, and the available treatment for PANDAS. Recent research indicates that PANDAS patients show noticeable alterations within the structures of the central nervous system, including caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and striatum, as well as bilateral and lentiform nuclei. Likewise, the presence of autoantibodies that interact with basal ganglia was observed in PANDAS patients. Several studies also suggest a relationship between the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorders like PANDAS and alterations to the gut microbiota. Further, genetic predispositions-including variations in the gene and T -seem to be relevant regarding PANDAS syndrome. Even though the literature is still scarce, the authors have attempted to provide a thorough insight into the PANDAS syndrome, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties of this condition.