"From Diarrhea to permanent Disability: The Tragic Story of Guillain-Barré Syndrome"

                                                   

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing weakness and sometimes paralysis. It is most commonly triggered by an infection by campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading causes of diarrheal illness(Guillain-barre syndrome)worldwide. It is responsible for an estimated 1.5 million cases of diarrhea in the United States each year.

The bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of birds and animals, and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food or water. Undercooked poultry is a common source of Campylobacter infection, as the bacteria can survive on the surface of raw meat. Other sources include raw milk and untreated water.

Symptoms of Campylobacter infection usually appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure and may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. The diarrhea associated with Campylobacter infection is often bloody and can be accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping.

How and why it cases GBS?
There is a cell mediated immune response against schwann cells of peripheral nerves due to similarity among the epitopes in bacteria and gangliosides

The symptoms of GBS typically begin with weakness in the legs and may progress to the arms and upper body. In severe cases, the muscles that control breathing can be affected, leading to difficulty breathing and the need for a ventilator to assist with breathing. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the severity can fluctuate during the course of the illness.

GBS is diagnosed based on the presence of specific symptoms, a physical examination, and tests such as a nerve conduction study or spinal tap.Stool culture and antigen study is also used among other investigations

There is no specific treatment for GBS, but early and aggressive supportive care can help improve the chances of recovery. This may include medications to control pain, physical therapy to maintain muscle strength, and respiratory support if needed.Sometimes ventilator support is required incase of failure of muscles of respiration

Most people(80%) with GBS recover fully, although it can take several months(3-6)to a year for full recovery. Some people may have ongoing weakness or other long-term effects. In rare cases, GBS can be fatal(4%), particularly in older adults or those with other health problems.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience weakness or numbness in the limbs, especially after a recent infection or diarrhea. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a full recovery from GBS.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming infected with Campylobacter jejuni:

Cook meat, especially poultry, thoroughly: Cook poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria that may be present.

Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling food, especially raw meat.

Clean surfaces and utensils: Be sure to clean any surfaces or utensils that have come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Use safe water sources: Drink only treated water and avoid swallowing water while swimming in lakes, streams, or pools.

Avoid raw milk: Do not drink raw milk or consume dairy products made from raw milk.

Practice safe food handling: Follow proper food handling techniques, including keeping raw meat separate from other foods, storing food at the appropriate temperature, and using separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods.

Wash fruits and vegetables: Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove any potential contamination.