Campylobacter jejuni, which is with the consumption of contaminated food and water.

Campylobacter jejuni,  associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and in severe cases, paralysis. The exact cause of GBS remains unknown; however, it is often preceded by an infection, either bacterial or viral. One of the most common bacterial triggers is Campylobacter jejuni, which is frequently associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water.

Recent reports from Pune, India, have highlighted a concerning cluster of GBS cases. Between January 9 and January 21, 2025, 26 individuals were admitted to various hospitals in Pune with symptoms indicative of GBS. These patients, hailing primarily from areas such as Sinhagad Road and Dhayari, experienced severe limb weakness or paralysis following episodes of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Investigations revealed that three patients from Sinhagad Road had Campylobacter jejuni present in their stool samples, suggesting a link between the bacterial infection and the onset of GBS.

The association between Campylobacter jejuni and GBS is well-documented. In the United States, it is estimated that about 1 in every 1,000 people infected with Campylobacter develops GBS. The bacterium is commonly found in undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, and contaminated water sources. Ingestion of these contaminated items can lead to gastrointestinal infections, which may subsequently trigger GBS in susceptible individuals.

In the Pune outbreak, health authorities are investigating potential sources of contamination. Given the dietary habits in the region, items like paneer (a type of fresh cheese), other cheeses, and rice are staple foods. If these foods are prepared or stored under unsanitary conditions, they can become vectors for bacterial contamination. For instance, paneer and other dairy products, if made from unpasteurized milk or handled improperly, can harbor harmful bacteria, including Campylobacter jejuni. Similarly, rice that is cooked and left at room temperature for extended periods can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Historically, there have been instances linking water contamination to GBS outbreaks. A notable example occurred in El-Sult, Jordan, where 16 cases of GBS were reported following a diarrhea epidemic caused by polluted water. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring clean water supplies to prevent such health crises.

In light of these events, medical professionals advise the public to exercise caution:

• Ensure Proper Food Handling: Cook poultry and meat thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria. Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products.

• Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food and after using the restroom.

• Safe Water Consumption: Drink water from reliable sources. In areas with questionable water quality, boiling water before consumption is recommended.

• Be Cautious with Street Food: While street food is popular, ensure that it is prepared in hygienic conditions. Avoid foods that have been left exposed for long periods.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can reduce the risk of infections that may trigger conditions like GBS. Continuous monitoring and prompt reporting of unusual health patterns are essential for early detection and management of such outbreaks.

Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium commonly associated with foodborne illnesses, has recently garnered increased attention due to a series of outbreaks worldwide. These incidents have highlighted the bacterium's role in gastrointestinal infections and its potential link to neurological disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Recent Outbreaks and Rising Incidence

Historically, Campylobacter outbreaks were infrequently reported. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a general increase in outbreak frequency since 1998. The primary sources identified include raw milk, poultry, and contaminated drinking water.

In mid-July 2024, two residents in Washington state contracted Campylobacter jejuni after consuming raw milk from Old Silvana Creamery. This incident underscores the risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products.

Additionally, in September 2021, eight cases of campylobacteriosis were identified in a Nebraska town, linked to municipal water contamination. This outbreak emphasizes the importance of maintaining water quality to prevent such infections.

Situation in China

China has also reported notable Campylobacter-related incidents. In August 2019, Beijing experienced its first identified gastroenteritis outbreak caused by local Campylobacter jejuni infection. Fourteen patients were affected after consuming meals from the same delivery service.

Furthermore, a 2021 outbreak in Beijing involved 996 patients suffering from acute gastroenteritis. While the primary pathogen was human sapovirus, numerous recent outbreaks in China have been attributed to Campylobacter infections, particularly Campylobacter jejuni.

Factors Contributing to Increased Attention

Several factors contribute to the heightened focus on Campylobacter jejuni:

1. Improved Detection and Reporting: Advancements in diagnostic methods and enhanced surveillance have led to better detection and reporting of Campylobacter infections.

2. Consumption of High-Risk Foods: The popularity of raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, and untreated water increases the risk of Campylobacter transmission.

3. Global Food Distribution: The international distribution of food products means that contamination in one region can lead to widespread outbreaks, bringing global attention to the bacterium.

4. Association with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Campylobacter jejuni is a known trigger for GBS, a rare neurological disorder. This association has heightened concern, especially when clusters of GBS cases emerge following Campylobacter infections.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the risk of Campylobacter infections:

• Proper Food Handling: Ensure thorough cooking of poultry and meat. Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products.

• Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water before handling food and after using the restroom.

• Safe Water Consumption: Drink water from reliable sources. In areas with questionable water quality, boiling water before consumption is recommended.

• Be Cautious with Street Food: Ensure that street food is prepared in hygienic conditions. Avoid foods that have been left exposed for long periods.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can reduce the risk of Campylobacter infections and associated complications.