Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of a patientwith M-pneumoniae infection-"associated" stroke

A 36-year-old woman presented with an acute ischemic stroke and a concomita nt Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection that had been proven clinically, bacteri ologically, and serologically. M. pneumoniae DNA was demonstrated in cerebr ospinal fluid by positive nested polymerase chain reaction, and intrathecal antibody production was also detected. Contrary to previous reports about M. pneumoniae-associated stroke, most thrombostatic abnormalities in this p atient occurred after stroke onset. Although the cause of stroke remains un clear in this patient, central nervous system invasion of M. pneumoniae DNA has to be considered a possible cause in rare cases of cerebral ischemia.