Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases in Pune under investigation, says DG of ICMR

NEW DELHI: As Maharashtra registered over 100 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), the Director General Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Rajiv Bahl, said that the cases are under investigation as a team of experts have collected various samples.

“Samples of stool and blood of those infected are being tested at the NIV Pune lab, but yet to get any definite leads on the cause behind the spread”, Dr Bahl said. He said that the cause or link of GBS is found only in 40 per cent of cases. The Campylobacter jejunum bacteria was found in 4 stool samples that were collected from 21 GBS patients in Pune, which were tested by National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune, while norovirus was found in some.

“We received some had diarrhoea but according to the medical literature norovirus doesn’t lead to GBS. So, this is still under investigation cause is yet not identified,” ICMR DG said.

#WATCH | Pune Municipal Corporation sets up a 45-bed special ward in Corporation run Kamala Nehru hospital to treat people affected by Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

All the patients from Pune Municipal Corporation jurisdiction will be treated free of cost in this hospital. pic.twitter.com/DtlQlrh2oE

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

The Union Health Ministry has deputed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune to aid state authorities in instituting interventions and managing the spurt in suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the city.

The central team sent to Maharashtra comprises seven experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare and National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune. Three experts from NIV, Pune were already supporting the local authorities.

The team is working closely with the state health departments and taking stock of the on-ground situation to recommend necessary public health interventions. The central team has been tasked with monitoring the situation and coordinating with the state.

The water samples from different parts of the city have been sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory. “An appeal has been made to the private medical practitioners to notify any GBS patient to the respective public health authorities. Citizens should not panic — the state’s health department is prepared to implement preventive and control measures”, sources said.

Maharashtra reported its first suspected death linked to GBS in Solapur, while the number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder in Pune has crossed over 100. “The expert team from the research and other departments are closely working at ground level and monitoring the situation,” according to a statement from MoHFW.

What are the symptoms of Gullain Barre Syndrome? GBS can develop sudden weakness in hands or legs/ paralysis. People could have trouble while walking or weakness with sudden onset and diarrhea (for sustained periods).Guidance has also been issued for citizens to ensure maintaining the water quality, such as drinking boiled water, food should be fresh and clean. The infection can be avoided also by not keeping cooked and uncooked food items together.

Describing the disease’s progression, Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital said, “GBS occurs when antibodies, created to fight bacterial or viral infections like Campylobacter jejuni or respiratory infections, cross-react with the peripheral nerves. This leads to ascending paralysis, starting in the legs and moving upward. In severe cases, patients may lose the ability to breathe due to thoracic muscle weakness and require ventilatory support”.

Treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange have revolutionised outcomes, but timely intervention remains critical.Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment.

According to Dr Bhargavi Ramanujam, Senior Consultant in Neurology at PSRI Hospital, “GBS typically starts with weakness in the legs, spreading upward. This may be accompanied by slight sensory loss, difficulty passing urine, or fluctuating blood pressure. Weakness in facial muscles can cause drooling, further signalling the onset of this serious condition.” (ANI)