Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (Review)

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are clinically characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive manifestations, motor and verbal tics, as well as other behavioral symptoms in a group of children with B-hemolytic streptococcal infection. PANDAS are considered autoimmune diseases because the streptococcal infection and response can be demonstrated. The most frequent physiopathological mechanism is molecular mimicry: A foreign antigen shares sequence or structural similarities with self-antigens. A thorough review of the literature was carried out using the PubMed database and SCOPUS, searching for immunological, clinical and microbiological aspects, as well as the treatment of the PANDAS syndrome. The diagnosis is clinical and it requires a careful medical history and a thorough physical examination, while the treatment is complex. Untreated or unrecognized manifestations of PANDAS can increase the risk of obsessive-compulsive manifestations and tics during adulthood. Taking this into consideration, further studies are required to establish the best method of therapy.