It discusses the much debated theory that conditions such as Tourette’s, OCD, Autism and ADHD are the result of autoimmune responses to strep infections in childhood. The theory goes that symptoms of such disorders are the result of an overactive immune response to the strep bacteria (presumably due to a genetic predisoposition).  Joining up the dots, I would say this holds some weight, considering how many people with such disorders seem to have a number of allergies – another overactive autoimmune response.

Mady Hornig at Columbia University is working with the original PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) theorist, Susan Swedo, to carry out rigorous testing into this idea.  In recent research, they have begun injecting mice with strep bacteria and have learned they can induce anxiety and tics this way.  However, luckily they are looking into ways to apply this knowledge other than dosing us all up with Penicillin.

Vrinda Pendred
Editor & Founder of Conditional Publications