PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Predisposing Factors: Precipitating Factors:

Age Post infection to
Sex Campylobacter jejuni
Poor Hygiene
Stress
Diet
Lifestyle

Campylobacter jejuni

Enters the body by the use

of multifenestrated cells or
other mechanisms

Innate immune response

results in the uptake of the
pathogens by immature
antigen presenting cells
 Migration to lymph nodes, a mature, differentiated antigen Pathogen and host have homologous
presenting cell can present in major histocompatibility complex or identical amino acid sequences,
molecules and activate CD4 T cells that recognize antigens antigens in its capsule are shared with
from the infectious pathogen. nerves

B cells can be activated as well by newly

activated Th2 cells. This produces a cell
mediated and humoral response against the
pathogen

Antibodies will be produced, leading to

activation of the complement system and Molecular mimicry
phagocytosis of the bacteria

Immune responses directed against the

capsular components produce antibodies that
cross-react with myelin

Lymphocytes and macrophages circulate in the

blood and eventually find myelin

lymphocytic infiltration of spinal roots and

peripheral nerves, followed by macrophage-
mediated, multifocal stripping of myelin and
axonal damage.

Defects in the propagation of electrical nerve

impulses, with eventual conduction block
 Guillain-Barr syndrome

Sensory changes Acute progressive Dull aching Cranial nerve

Paresthesias or ascending weakness pains of lower involvement
numbness in lower limbs back, flank, Facial droop
feet/hands upper limbs proximal legs Dysarthria
hyporeflexia Dysphagia
Difficulty with
protruding
tongue

If Treated: If not treated:

Plasma Exchange Extensive axonal

intravenous destruction
immune globulin
(IVIG)/
Physical therapy Ascending weakness
and exercise progresses
medication
Weakening of the
diaphragm and the
respiratory muscles

Good prognosis
Respiratory distress
syndrome
BAD PROGNOSIS

Respiratory arrest

Shock

DEATH