GBS: Campylobacter Bacteria Linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak in Pune, Health Authorities on High Alert

Pune, 22nd January 2025: A cluster of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases has been detected in Pune, with 24 patients admitted to various hospitals since January 9. Among these, three patients from Sinhagad Road who experienced paralysis after a stomach infection were found to have the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in their stool samples, as confirmed by a high-end PCR test on Tuesday. One of the patients is currently on ventilator support at Poona Hospital.
Campylobacter jejuni, a common trigger for GBS, is associated with contaminated food or water. It can cause an immune response that attacks the body’s nerves, leading to paralysis. Health experts have linked the outbreak to possible contamination in the Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, and nearby areas, prompting an urgent investigation.
Dr. Neena Borade, Health Chief at Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), stated, “We have identified 24 GBS cases in just two weeks, with patients spread across the city, suburbs, and rural areas. Of these, 16 patients are at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, with six in the intensive care unit. Stool, blood, and urine samples from eight patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing, and we are working to collect samples from the remaining patients.”
Doctors emphasized the role of Campylobacter jejuni in triggering GBS. “This bacteria is a known precursor to GBS and is often linked to contaminated food or water sources. The PCR results reinforce our suspicion that contamination is the likely cause of this outbreak,” explained an infectious diseases expert at Poona Hospital.
Out of the 24 cases, patients are currently being treated at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (16), Poona Hospital (5), Smt. Kashibai Navale Hospital (4), Bharati Hospital (3), and one each at Ankura Hospital in Aundh and Sahyadri Hospital in Deccan.
Possible Water Contamination Investigated
Referring to a similar Campylobacter-related GBS outbreak in 2011 in the U.S. and Mexico, Dr. Ameet Dravid, an infectious diseases expert, said, “The 2011 outbreak was traced to inadequately treated drinking water. We need to examine the water supply in Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, and surrounding areas for potential contamination.”
PMC officials have intensified inspections of water and food sources in the affected areas. “Residents are advised to boil drinking water and ensure proper cooking of food. Those experiencing diarrhea or abdominal pain should seek immediate medical attention,” PMC officials said.
Health Authorities on Alert
The sudden rise in GBS cases has alarmed health authorities. According to doctors, Campylobacter jejuni can survive in water bodies like rivers and lakes and spread through contaminated water, soil, or improperly handled poultry and dairy products.
“Community outbreaks of Campylobacter can occur when food or water safety protocols are not maintained. We are closely monitoring the situation and working to identify the contamination source,” added a senior health official.
The PMC has urged hospitals and laboratories to report any suspected GBS cases promptly.