PharmaLive posted an update on the FDA’s watch on the Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine) and its connection to reports of Guillain Barre Syndrome. Although the article was about GBS as a result of vaccination, it is important to remember that Campylobacter jejuni and other gastrointestinal “bugs” can cause GBS in humans. From the article:

“Clinical data for other possible causes of GBS frequently were not available when investigating the 17 cases of GBS after MCV4 vaccination. Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of gastroenteritis and the most frequent antecedent pathogen in GBS cases (5). None of the patients had reported diarrheal prodromes; however, many C. jejuni infections are asymptomatic. Three of the 17 patients had stool cultures; one was tested for C. jejuni, and the results were negative. A serum sample from one of the patients was tested for C. jejuni, and the result was negative; no other serum samples were available for testing. None of the states where the patients resided reported outbreaks of C. jejuni during June 2005–September 2006.”