Campylobacter jejuni Linked to Increased Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases in Maharashtra

Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria causing diarrhoea, appears linked to a Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Maharashtra, especially Pune. It's found in 20-30% of GBS case samples. GBS affects nerves, leading to muscle weakness, and has led to eight deaths and over 200 suspected cases in the region.

Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium commonly associated with gastrointestinal illnesses, has emerged as a primary suspect in the recent outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra. Officials in Pune, where the outbreak is concentrated, report that the bacterium has been identified in 20-30% of samples from GBS patients.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by the body's immune system attacking the peripheral nerves. Symptoms can escalate to include muscle weakness, sensory loss, and even respiratory difficulties. The syndrome often follows an infection, appearing typically two to six weeks post-infection.

Health officials have confirmed that eight fatalities in Pune, including a 59-year-old patient, have links to the syndrome, with total cases surpassing 200 and several patients requiring ventilator support. The ongoing investigation aims to better understand the bacterium's role in the outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies.)