Serological Markers of Recent Campylobacter jejuni Infection in Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the State of Piauí, Brazil, 2014-2016

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Feb;98(2):586-588. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0666. Epub 2018 Jan 4.

Abstract

In countries where poliomyelitis has been eradicated, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the leading cause of acute flaccid paralysis. The range of infections that precede GBS in Brazil is unknown. Campylobacter jejuni infection is the most frequent trigger of GBS worldwide. Given the lack of systematic surveillance of diarrheal diseases, particularly in adults, the incidence of enteritis caused by C. jejuni in developing countries is unknown. From 2014 to 2016, pretreatment serum samples from 63 GBS patients were tested by immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for C. jejuni. Campylobacter jejuni IgM antibodies were detected in 17% (11/63) of the samples. There was no association between serological positivity (IgM) for C. jejuni and the occurrence of diarrhea among the investigated cases (P = 0.36). Hygiene measures, basic sanitation, and precautions during handling and preparation of food of animal origin may help prevent acute flaccid paralysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Brazil
  • Campylobacter Infections / blood
  • Campylobacter Infections / diagnosis*
  • Campylobacter Infections / epidemiology
  • Campylobacter jejuni / pathogenicity
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / blood
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers