International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VOLUME 25(19) (2024)

The Prevalence of Streptococcal Infection and Anti-Basal Ganglia Antibodies in ADHD Pediatric Patients

Amal Zakaria Ahmed*

Lecturer of psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt

Abstract

Children who have trouble paying attention, controlling their impulses, or being hyperactive may suffer from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a mental health condition that is largely influenced by their genes. However, other factors in their surroundings, such as exposure to certain bacteria or toxins, may also play a role in triggering or worsening their symptoms. In our study, we wanted to find out how common it is for children with ADHD to have an infection caused by a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus (GAS), and how often they have antibodies against GAS (ABGA) in their blood, which may indicate a past or ongoing infection. 60 children took part in a trial that was open, controlled, and random. They were split into two equal groups: group A had children with ADHD and group B had healthy children. We collected their demographic data such as age, sex, and ADHD risk factors. Group A had children with ADHD. Only depression was much higher in GAS+children than GAS-children (P=0.035). Other factors like attention, impulsiveness, non-planning, motor and fine motor speed were not different between GAS+ and GAS-children. Group B had healthy children. Impulsiveness and depression were much higher in GAS+children than GAS-children (P=0.001, 0.001). Other factors like attention, non-planning, motor, and fine motor speed were not different between GAS+ and GAS- children. ADHD children had more infections, GAS, and antibodies than healthy children. GAS+ADHD children had more depression than GAS-ADHD children. ADHD children had more attention, impulsiveness, and fine motor problems.

Keywords: Prevalence; Streptococcal Infection; Anti-Basal Ganglia Antibodies; ADHD; Pediatric Patients.

Full length article – PDF   *Corresponding Author, e-mail: amalzakria8102014@gmail.com, amalzakria122023@gmail.com

Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/38-IJCBS-24-25-19-38