Guillain-Barré syndrome
Yuki, N.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 52(11): 2952-2958
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 7996693 Document Number: 426897
Sera from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following Campylobacter jejuni infection have autoantibody to GM1 ganglioside in the acute phase of the illness. There is a strong association between GBS and Penner's serotype 19 (PEN 19) of C. jejuni. The terminal structure of the bacterial lipopolysaccharide is identical to the terminal tetrasaccharide of GM1 ganglioside. Anti-GM1 antibody inhibits motoneuron excitability. Molecular mimicry between infectious agents and nerve tissue components may function in the development of GBS.