RARECast: Determining If a Child’s Neurologic or Psychiatric Symptoms are Caused by an Infection

Obsessive compulsive disorder, tics, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders can be caused by a treatable autoimmune condition that is triggered by common infections. These conditions, known as PANDAS and PANS can often be misdiagnosed and wrongly treated to the detriment of the children with the condition. We spoke to Craig Shimasaki, CEO of Moleculera Labs, which has developed a diagnostic to determine if an individual’s neurologic or psychiatric symptoms could be caused by an autoimmune dysfunction. Shimasaki discussed these conditions, what we know about them, and how the availability of a diagnostic is helping change the way these patients are understood and treated. This is an encore presentation of an interview that first aired in April 2016.

RARECast is a weekly series by Daniel S. Levine. Levine is an award-winning business journalist who has reported on the life sciences, economic development, and business policy issues throughout his 25-year career. He founded Levine Media Group in 2013, which produces The Bio Report and RARECast podcasts. Read his full bio here.