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 a study published in the Journal of autoimmunity in 2017 1.
Key Points
- The risk of developing neurological sequelae is associated with specific Campylobacter serotypes, particularly those with sialic acid-containing lipooligosaccharides.
- GBS typically develops 1-3 weeks after the initial gastrointestinal symptoms and presents as ascending paralysis with areflexia.
- Other neurological complications include Miller Fisher syndrome, Bickerstaff's encephalitis, and acute transverse myelitis.
- These complications occur because molecular mimicry between Campylobacter lipopolysaccharides and human gangliosides triggers an autoimmune response targeting peripheral nerves.
Evidence
- A study published in the Journal of child neurology in 2009 found evidence of recent Campylobacter jejuni infection in 27.7% of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, as compared with 2.3% in neurological controls and 2.3% in nonneurological controls 2.
- Another study published in Clinical microbiology reviews in 1998 found that Campylobacter infection is the single most identifiable antecedent infection associated with the development of GBS, and that different strains of Campylobacter as well as host factors likely play an important role in determining who develops GBS 3.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment of the initial infection with appropriate antibiotics (macrolides like azithromycin 500mg daily for 3 days or fluoroquinolones) may reduce bacterial load but has not been definitively proven to prevent neurological complications once the immune response is triggered.
- Patients with campylobacter infection who develop neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or coordination problems should seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.
Important Considerations
- The association between Campylobacter infection and neurological sequelae is well-established, and patients with campylobacter infection should be monitored closely for signs of neurological complications.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the development of neurological sequelae after Campylobacter infection, and to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment.