A Pediatric Case of Peripheral Polyneuropathy With IgM anti-GM1 Antibody Associated With a Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus Infection

• Published in: Pediatric neurology 2014-09, Vol.51 (3), p.441-443
• Main Authors: Ishikawa, Nobutsune, MD, Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki, MD, Fujii, Yuji, MD, Samukawa, Makoto, MD, Kusunoki, Susumu, MD, Kobayashi, Masao, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antiglycolipids antibody; Autoantibodies - blood; Child; childhood; G(M1) Ganglioside - immunology; GABHS infection; Humans; Immunoglobulin M - blood; Male; Neural Conduction; Neurology; Pediatrics; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - drug therapy; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - etiology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - immunology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology; peripheral polyneuropathy; Streptococcal Infections - complications; Streptococcal Infections - drug therapy; Streptococcal Infections - immunology; Streptococcal Infections - physiopathology; Streptococcus pyogenes
• ISSN: 0887-8994; 1873-5150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.03.019

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.