From the Research
Yes, campylobacter infection can cause neurological sequelae, with the most significant complication being Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 cases of Campylobacter jejuni infection, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Points
- GBS typically develops 1-3 weeks after the initial gastrointestinal symptoms and presents as ascending paralysis, with weakness beginning in the legs and potentially progressing to the arms and respiratory muscles.
- Other neurological complications can include Miller Fisher syndrome (characterized by ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia), Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis, and acute transverse myelitis.
- The mechanism behind these complications involves molecular mimicry, where antibodies produced against Campylobacter lipooligosaccharides cross-react with gangliosides in peripheral nerves due to structural similarities.
- Treatment of the initial infection with appropriate antibiotics (such as azithromycin 500mg daily for 3 days or ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily for 5-7 days) may reduce bacterial load but does not prevent post-infectious neurological complications once the immune response has been triggered, as noted in 2 and 3.
- Patients with campylobacter infection who develop neurological symptoms should be promptly evaluated by a neurologist, as treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis may be needed for GBS, as discussed in 4 and 5.
Recommendation
Patients with campylobacter infection should be closely monitored for neurological symptoms, and those who develop such symptoms should be promptly referred to a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment, as the most recent study 1 highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in improving outcomes. Some key factors to consider in the management of campylobacter infection and its neurological sequelae include:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the initial infection
- Close monitoring for neurological symptoms
- Early referral to a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment
- Consideration of treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis for GBS, as discussed in 1.