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Investigating Tourette Syndrome as a Neurologic Sequela of Rheumatic Fever
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 November 2014
Abstract
Sydenham's chorea is currently recognized as the only neurologic sequela of rheumatic fever. Recent evidence suggests that there may be a spectrum of neurobehavioral disturbances, particularly including tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder, that develops following streptococcal infection by the process of molecular mimicry, whereby antibodies directed against bacterial antigens cross-react with brain targets. This proposed postinfectious, immune-mediated condition has been termed “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders after streptococcal infection” (PANDAS). This article reviews research evidence in favor and also against the PANDAS concept and discusses the implications of the hypothesis.
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