Which organism is commonly associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome following gastroenteritis?

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder characterized by rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system attacking the peripheral nervous system. One of the well-documented triggers for GBS is infection, particularly following gastrointestinal illness.

Campylobacter jejuni is a common bacterium associated with gastrointestinal infections, particularly those that lead to diarrhea. This organism often causes gastroenteritis and has been linked to a subsequent development of GBS. The risk of developing this syndrome is believed to be related to molecular mimicry, where the antibodies produced in response to the Campylobacter infection cross-react with peripheral nerve components, leading to the neurological symptoms seen in GBS.

This association is particularly notable since Campylobacter jejuni infections are a predominant cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, and many cases of GBS following gastrointestinal infection have been traced back to Campylobacter, making it the most common organism cited in connection with GBS after gastroenteritis. This connection reinforces the importance of understanding post-infectious complications in clinical practice, especially in patients presenting with neurological signs following gastrointestinal symptoms.