I suspect my son has pandas. is it harmful to give him yoghurt with streptococcus thermophilus added to it?

Unsure: Pandas or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcus is a sudden onset of obsessive/compulsive behaviors or tics with a positive throat culture for strep and/or positive blood test markers for a recent strep infection. The disorder is not well classified, but appears to respond well to antibiotics such as Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) or zithromax. Talk to your doctor.

Probably ok...: I would agree with dr. Lurie. At this time, it appears to only be related to a certain type of strep, group a beta hemolytic streptococcus (gabhs). The link with other types of strep has not yet been made, but if a concern and looking for a good probiotic for children, i would recommend lactobacillus gg as more than 400 studies to date have proven its efficacy and safety. Hope this helps!

Not advised: Strep strains in probiotics of my patients with pandas have repeatedly trigger pandas symptoms; therefore, I do not use probiotics with strep containing strains. I would also avoid it in yogurt. Due to the relapsing nature of pandas it is best to minimize any possible sensitizing trigger - pandas is an autoimmune illness, so immune sensitization is the issue.