Ambiguous value of Haemophilus influenzae isolation in Guillain-Barré and Fisher syndromes. Issue 12 (16th November 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koga, M; Koike, S; Hirata, K; Yuki, N
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 76:Issue 12(2005)
• Page Start: 1736
• Page End: 1738
• Publication Date: 2005-11-16
• Subjects: GBS, Guillain-Barré syndrome -- LOS, lipo-oligosaccharide; Guillain-Barré syndrome -- Fisher syndrome -- Haemophilus influenzae -- ganglioside; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2005.065359
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Haemophilus influenzae is considered a causative agent of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Fisher syndrome, but the frequency of this infection in GBS is controversial. Objective: To determine whether isolation of H influenzae indicates it is a causative agent in GBS and Fisher syndrome. Results: Four (15%) of 27 patients with GBS and Fisher syndrome in whom H influenzae was isolated were also seropositive for Campylobacter jejuni . Antiganglioside IgG antibodies in these four patients did not cross react with their H influenzae lipo-oligosaccharides, whereas antiganglioside antibodies in the four patients with positive serology for H influenzae did. Conclusions: The findings suggest that H influenzae isolation is not always indicative of the causative agent in these syndromes and that tests for other infections should be made, even in cases of positive culture.