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Guillain-Barre syndrome following malaria
M Kanjalkar1, D R Karnad, R V Narayana
1Department of Neurology, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India.
The Journal of Infection
|March 25, 1999
Summary
Malaria can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a neurological disorder. Plasmodium falciparum malaria is linked to more severe GBS cases and higher mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Malaria, a parasitic disease, can have various neurological complications.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.
Observation:
- Two adult males presented with acute quadriplegia and facial/bulbar weakness following malaria infections (P. falciparum and P. vivax).
- Diagnostic studies confirmed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in both patients.
- A review of 11 cases indicated a strong association between malaria and GBS.
Findings:
- Plasmodium falciparum malaria was associated with more severe GBS cases, including respiratory paralysis and mortality.
- Plasmodium vivax malaria was linked to milder GBS presentations with complete recovery.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment led to complete recovery in one severe P. falciparum-associated GBS case.
Implications:
- Malaria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of GBS, particularly in endemic regions.
- Understanding the specific Plasmodium species may help predict GBS severity and outcomes.
- Further research into the immunopathogenesis of malaria-induced GBS is warranted.