The first month of the year 2025 unfortunately welcomed a new neurological disorder in India. This is Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). It was in the last month when a school teacher in Pune noticed her six-year-old son struggling to hold a pencil. At first she assumed it is just his frustration with his homework. However, later, this very thing turned out to be the first sign of GBS, a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks nerve cells. This then leads to muscle weakness, paralysis and even respiratory failure. Within a few days, her son was admitted in a hospital, put under intensive care and was unable to move, swallow, or breathe without ventilator support. The good thing is that he is now recovery, however, there are many more such who fell under the blanket of this sudden outbreak of GBS. What Is GBS?GBS symptoms include tingling in the hands and feet, followed by muscle weakness and difficulty moving. Symptoms often worsen for two to four weeks. In severe cases, it can result in full paralysis and difficulty breathing, with a death rate ranging from 3% to 13% depending on access to medical treatment.In recent months, Pune has reported over 160 cases of GBS, with five deaths suspected. Currently, 48 people are in critical condition, 21 are on ventilators, and 38 have been released. The outbreak is being linked to Campylobacter jejuni, a foodborne pathogen that has been identified as a leading cause of GBS worldwide.What Is The Link Between Campylobacter and GBS?Campylobacter is a bacterium that is frequently found in raw chicken, contaminated water, and poor food handling procedures. In the 1990s, researchers discovered a link between it and GBS in rural China, when children were exposed to contaminated water during the monsoon season.Experts believe that Campylobacter infections are more likely to produce GBS in countries with poor sanitation, whereas respiratory infections are more frequent in high-hygiene areas. In 2015, Brazil reported an increase in GBS cases associated with the Zika virus, whilst COVID-19 vaccinations were related to a limited number of GBS infections in the United Kingdom.Is GBS Rare?Although Campylobacter is widespread, only 1 in 100 strains carry the molecular structure which can trigger GBS. Among the people infected with this rare strain, only 1 in 100 will develop GBS, and so the overall risk will be 1 in 10,000.This phenomenon is known as molecular mimicry. Some Campylobacter strains have a sugar-coated outer layer that resembles human nerve cells. When the immune system attacks the bacteria, it may mistakenly destroy nerve cells as well, leading to GBS. Scientists believe that a particularly aggressive Campylobacter strain is currently circulating in Pune, causing an uptick in cases.Is There Any Cure?For now, there is no cure to this, however there are ways to manage it. Many physicians use plasma exchange to remove harmful antibodies from the blood. Antibody treatment with intravenous immunoglobin can also reduce the severity of disease.The World Health Organization too has stepped in to investigate the outbreak. For now, experts have urged the public to not panic and ensure that they are taking all safety and hygiene precautions in consuming water and food.
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