Guillain-Barre Syndrome Following PCV Vaccine

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system attacking the peripheral nervous system. Although the causes still remain elusive, many studies in the past have linked GBS to vaccinations, such as influenza, but pneumococcal vaccine remains to be studied. This case report highlights a woman who developed severe respiratory failure from Guillain-Barre a month after administration of the PCV vaccine. Possible etiology could be linked to the T-dependent stimulation response of GBS to the G1-specific B cells found in the peripheral blood. Full recovery is often rare in the syndrome, but rapid administration of IVIg and extensive therapy has proved to show a good long-term outcome.