Anti-Basal Ganglia Antibodies and Streptococcal Infection in ADHD

Objective: Group A Streptococcus has been associated with ADHD, tic disorders (TD), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) through anti-basal ganglia antibodies (ABGA). Method: We investigated the association between ABGA and streptococcal exposure with behavioral, motor, and cognitive measures in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of attention disorders 2018-07, Vol.22 (9), p.864-871
Main Authors: Aguilera-Albesa, Sergio, Crespo-Eguílaz, Nerea, Del Pozo, José Luis, Villoslada, Pablo, Sánchez-Carpintero, Rocío
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Objective: Group A Streptococcus has been associated with ADHD, tic disorders (TD), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) through anti-basal ganglia antibodies (ABGA). Method: We investigated the association between ABGA and streptococcal exposure with behavioral, motor, and cognitive measures in 38 children with ADHD not comorbid to OCD or TD (nc-ADHD) and in 38 healthy children. An additional group of 15 children with TD and/or OCD was examined. Results: ABGA titers were present in 3% of nc-ADHD patients and controls but in 27% of TD and/or OCD patients. Evidence of streptococcal exposure was similar between ADHD patients and controls living in the same urban area. Behavioral, motor, and cognitive measures were not associated with anti-streptococcal antibodies. Conclusion: ABGA do not distinguish nc-ADHD from controls. The differences in the frequency of streptococcal exposure in previous studies are determined by the dynamic nature of the infection rather than the behavioral phenotype of ADHD.
ISSN:1087-0547
1557-1246
DOI:10.1177/1087054715580841