Pune has reported a surge in GBS cases. It can also be caused by contaminated food and water.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves. This condition can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and many other complications. Recently, there have been reports of a rise in GBS cases in Pune, raising concerns among health professionals and the public.
“This is essentially an immunological disease. After certain infections, whether bacterial or viral, the body’s immune system is activated. This evoked immunity acts against the nerves and muscles, affecting the lower and upper limbs and the respiratory muscles. That is why it is called a nervous disorder,” Dr Sameer Jog, consultant intensivist, told PTI.
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
GBS is characterized by the rapid onset of muscle weakness and is usually preceded by an infection. The syndrome usually begins with tingling sensations in the legs, which can progress to weakness and paralysis. The exact mechanism behind GBS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an autoimmune response triggered by infections, particularly viral or bacterial diseases.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome can vary in severity and may include:
- Weakness: It usually starts in the legs and can move up to the upper body and arms.
- Tingling sensations: Patients often report numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Loss of reflexes: Diminished or absent reflexes are common.
- Difficulty breathing: In severe cases, muscle weakness can affect the respiratory muscles and cause breathing difficulties.
- Pain: Some people may experience severe pain, which may be difficult to control.
Causes and risk factors
While the exact cause of GBS is still unclear, it is often related to previous infections, such as:
- Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria frequently associated with food poisoning
- influenza virus
- zika virus
- Cytomegalovirus
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing GBS, including age (more common in adults), gender (slightly more common in men), and certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases.
Rising GBS cases in Pune
The health department of the Pune Municipal Corporation has sent samples collected from the affected patients to the ICMR-NIV for testing, an official said. Doctors said GBS is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms such as severe weakness in the extremities. Dr Nina Borade, head of the civic health department, said 24 suspected cases of GBS were reported in six hospitals in the city.
“It is common in both pediatric and young age groups. However, GBS will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic,” he said, adding that with treatment, most people recover completely from the condition,” PTI quotes Dr Borade.
Diagnosis of GBS usually involves clinical evaluation, neurological examinations, and tests such as electromyography (EMG) and lumbar puncture.