Clinical and Laboratory Features of Childhood Guillain-Barre Syndrome Associated with Campylibacter Jejuni Infection

Recent studies have confirmed association between Campylibacter jejuni infection and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). However, the characteristics of this association are not well studied in Iran. This study aimed to determine the frequency of this infection in children with GBS, and the clinical and laboratory features of this association. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study on 47 children with GBS admitted to Tabriz Children’s Hospital between July 2006 and July 2008. Serologic investigations were used to diagnose preceding C. jejuni infection. There was evidence of recent C. jejuni infection in 40.4% of the patients with GBS. Duration to achieve independent walking was longer in C. jejuni-associated patients (P<0.013). However 95% of C. jejuni-associated GBS patients achieved independent walking at the end of 1 year. Axonal pattern was more common in patients with positive serology (P=0.05). Campylobacter jejuni is a common antecedent infectious agent in children with GBS in Iran.