Guillain–Barre Syndrome Associated with Zika Virus Infection: A Case Report Review from Guyana

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Authors : Ashley Dudhnath

Abstract:

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus with a significant public health impact highlighted epidemic disease. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells in your peripheral nervous system. It can eventually cause paralysis. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it’s typically triggered by an infectious illness. Guillain–Barre Syndrome Associated with Zika Virus Infection was identified and first documented by Ryan G. Fabrizius, in United States.

Objective: To provide a “Case Study-Review” on the article, Guillain–Barre Syndrome Associated with Zika Virus Infection in a Traveler Returning from Guyana to reinforce the awareness of GBS with Zika virus.

Method: Several topics of interest were researched and a suitable one was selected being “Guillain–Barre Syndrome Associated with Zika Virus Infection in a Traveler Returning from Guyana”, as a Case report review study.

Result: Authors stated that, a 44-year-old male presented to urgent care with several symptoms after he had travelled to an urban area in Guyana to visit his family. The article explained that on the first day of seeking medical attention the neurological examination was normal until later presentation of having little to no reflex in the lower extremities. An electromyography confirmed this with consistent demyelinating disease where after a diagnosis of GBS was made. The article also gives the diagnostic information about the patient’s serum and CSF with positive sign for ZIKV IgM, further confirming the diagnosis of ZIKV-associated GBS.

Conclusion: This case highlighted the diagnostic challenges posed by Zika Virus and underscores the need for clinician awareness of the potential for neurological complications such as GBS with ZIKV infection.

Keywords: Zika Virus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, demyelinating disease, ZIKV IgM.

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