Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children presenting with central nervous system manifestations.

ABSTRACT

Objectives To study the incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection among children presenting with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. Design Prospective study. Setting University Paediatric Unit, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya. Method Children above 1 year of age, presenting with features of CNS infection, from January to December 2001, were included. Serum samples were tested for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection by using particle agglutination test in addition to the usual laboratory tests. The conventional management protocols for CNS infections were carried out. Anti mycoplasma therapy was started once the dignosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was established. Results Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was established in 8 of 35 children presenting with CNS manifestations. Their age range was 2-12 years. Five had meningoencephalitis and 3 had encephalitis. Mycoplasma antibody titres ranged from 160 to 5,120. Conclusions Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important association in children with meningoencephalitis or encephalitis.