Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An Ailment with Uncertain Cause

It is a rare condition where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves controlling muscle movements; one of the most common risk factors is infection by the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis.

Nestor Pinacho

It starts with a tingling sensation in the legs and arms, followed by weakness in the limbs that can lead to difficulty standing, loss of balance, and even paralysis that, in extreme cases, can result in death. These are some of the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease whose exact causes are unknown.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition with no definitive known cause, although in most cases it manifests after a bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes it can cause paralysis in the legs, arms, or facial muscles. In about one-third of patients, the chest muscles are affected, making breathing difficult.

Dr. Carlos Arturo Esquivel, a master's in Health Sciences and Pharmacology from the Escuela Superior de Medicina (ESM) at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), describes this syndrome as an acute peripheral demyelinating polyneuropathy. “This condition affects several non-central nerves, specifically peripheral nerves that innervate the body's muscles. These nerves are encased by glycolipids, essentially a layer of fat with protein and some carbohydrates, which act as an insulator for the nerves and help ensure efficient conduction that is disrupted by this disease.

“The nerve damage is caused by the immune system itself, and one of the most common risk factors for Guillain-Barré syndrome is infection by the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis. It can also be contracted after the flu or other viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Zika virus,” notes the WHO.

It has been revealed that Guillain-Barré syndrome is often preceded by a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection, leading to the belief that there is a certain type of molecular mimicry. This means that the proteins recognized by the immune system of viruses or bacteria resemble the glycoprotein chemical structure of the cells encasing the nerve, causing the immune system to attack these cells,” explained the doctoral student in Medical Research at ESM.

He recalled that following the emergence of cases in Tlaxcala, the state's Health Department urged the population to maintain preventive hygiene measures, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, increased cleanliness in food preparation and consumption, especially of meats.

“What I know about Tlaxcala is that there were at least 11 confirmed cases where the bacteria causing the syndrome was the same as the highly prevalent Campylobacter jejuni worldwide. This microorganism typically infects us, causing gastrointestinal symptoms that can be extremely mild, not necessarily severe or noticeable. The problem is that this bacterium seems strongly associated with the trigger, which could be present in meat or other foods. We cannot definitively say it is solely associated with consuming meat or chicken,” he emphasized.

The specialist does not rule out that climate change may influence this atypical outbreak in Tlaxcala, as the proliferation of bacteria and viruses, as well as food decomposition, occurs more rapidly, allowing Campylobacter jejuni to develop and be ingested more easily.

Therefore, the suggestions shared by Dr. Carlos Arturo Esquivel, an Internal Medicine specialist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, are to maintain a healthy and balanced diet; observe hygiene measures when cooking and consuming food; avoid eating on the street since higher temperatures can accelerate food decomposition.

Selección Gaceta Politécnica #174. (May 31st, 2024). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here.