Abstract
Objective: We describe the sudden onset of obsessive—compulsive symptoms fol lowing a peritoneal infection with α-haemolytic streptococci. Clinical picture: A 35–year-old woman with no past history or family history of obsessions or compulsions developed these symptoms 2 weeks after a peritoneal infection.
Treatment: The patient received 80 mg fluoxetine daily. Outcome: She responded to treatment with a progressive reduction in symptoms. Conclusions: It is suggested that these obsessions and compulsions may be related to an autoimmune response to the streptococcal infection.