The main cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is often an infection.
Infections as Triggers for GBS
GBS, while not contagious itself, is frequently triggered by infections. These infections, either bacterial or viral, seem to initiate an autoimmune response, which then leads to the symptoms associated with GBS. Here are the main types of infections that have been associated with GBS:
- Campylobacter jejuni Bacteria: According to the provided reference, infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which causes diarrhea, is one of the most common triggers of GBS. This bacterial infection is often a precursor to developing the autoimmune disorder.
- Viral Infections: Several viral infections can also precede GBS. These include:
- The flu (influenza)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Zika virus
- Other viruses
| Trigger Type | Specific Examples |
|---|---|
| Bacterial | Campylobacter jejuni |
| Viral | Flu, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, Other viruses |
It's important to understand that not everyone who gets these infections will develop GBS. The link between these infections and GBS is still being studied, and it's believed that certain people may have a genetic predisposition or other risk factors that make them more susceptible.
In summary, while various infections, particularly Campylobacter jejuni and certain viral infections, are leading triggers, the precise mechanisms by which these lead to GBS are still an active area of research.
