Article Sections

Introduction

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy that predominantly affects the peripheral nerves and leads to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Pathophysiology

The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it is thought to be due to molecular mimicry ( Figure 1), in which an infectious agent contains a ganglioside-like substance in its lipopolysaccharide layer.  Antibodies formed against this substance and activated T cells cross-react with the ganglioside components of myelin and Schwann cells.  The myelin sheath is stripped from the axon, leading to loss of neuronal conductivity and axonal degeneration.  This process impairs the transmission of nerve signals, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.

Most patients with GBS have an antecedent respiratory or gastrointestinal infection.  Campylobacter jejuni, a common cause of foodborne diarrheal illness, is the most frequent precipitant.  Less common antecedent infections include

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Figures

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Figure 1
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