Strep throat and OCD are linked, Israeli researchers find

Children suffering from strep throat should be closely monitored for symptoms of OCD, the researchers say.
Photo courtesy of Reuters

A group of researchers at Tel Aviv University recently discovered that an individual who has contact with the bacteria streptococcus A as a child can eventually lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Although streptococcus A is commonly known as the bacteria that causes strep throat and minor pain, many people are not aware of the fact that it can ultimately develop into something more serious such as OCD. This article classifies OCD as “an anxiety disorder marked by repeated and intrusive thoughts that can trigger hording, obsessions and intensely repetitive behavior” (Even).

In this latest study, conducted by Prof. Daphna Joel (head of the psychobiological department in the Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Tel Aviv University), rats displayed several characteristics and behaviors associated with OCD after being exposed to streptococcus A. The rats were first injected with streptococcus A microbes and then were given time to develop antibodies. After this, the rats then received an injection of a specific substance that enabled the antibodies to travel to their brains. Within the brain, the researchers found that the antibodies attached themselves to certain regions and also were “connected to changes in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain.”

In addition to the more complex changes in the brains of the rats, the infected rats also displayed altered “balance and coordination” and took part in obsessive grooming.  In addition, the researchers took this experiment one step further and were able to locate the specific dopamine receptors that the antibodies bound to. According to this article, such a discovery “will likely aid in development of treatments for OCD.” Scientists have been studying this “link” for over 20 years and Joel declares that “the description of the model in rats is of great significance.” This new evidence found in the rats is certainly a step in the right direction.   

Blog Post Author: Vickey Cooley Section 124-26 

Works Cited:

Even, Dan. "Strep Throat and OCD Are Linked, Israeli Researchers Find." Haaretz.com. Haaretz Daily Newspaper Ltd., 08 Jan. 2013. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.