While our data point to a higher-than-expected prevalence of meningitis or encephalitis (either infectious or autoimmune) as well as scarlet fever in both probands and non-OCD-affected first-degree relatives, further studies are needed to compare self-reported disease frequencies with a control group. Nevertheless, these data raise the possibility that sequelae of GAS infection are present at high rates and may be trait markers in families with a significant burden of OCD.
