Central and Peripheral Nervous System Demyelination After Infection With Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Evidence of an Autoimmune Process

Abstract

We have reported a unique case of multiple central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities after a serologically documented infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The evidence suggests that this organism is capable of causing demyelination, probably through an autoimmune process. This case may help to provide further insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in other demyelinating diseases in which the triggering exogenous agent is unknown. Certainly this case demonstrated that both central and peripheral nervous system demyelination can occur and that patients with M pneumoniae infections should be observed closely for possible development of neurologic symptoms.