The Development of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (Gbs) in Association with Confirmed Lyme Disease. A Potential Autoimmune Response in Gbs Secondary to Tick-Borne Diseases?

Vector borne diseases have been associated with a number of autoimmune diseases. In this case we report a 73 year old woman initially diagnosed with lyme disease who subsequently developed guillain-barre syndrome (GBS). Her relevant clinical presentation included protean symptoms of numbness and progressive weakness in her legs for three weeks prior to consultation by the neurology service. A lyme ELISA and confirmatory Western Blot testing were unequivocally positive. A clinical diagnosis of CNS lyme disease was made. Additional clinical evaluation included: electrophysiological testing, which demonstrated significant polyneuropathy consistent with demyelinating pathology. A lumbar puncture with cerebral spinal fluid analysis revealed a non-reactive VDRL, negative lyme DNA PCR, positive lyme IgG antibody and an elevated protein-elevated albumin with normal white count. Upon further clinical deliberation this constellation of signs and symptoms was determined to be more consistent with a diagnosis of GBS rather than CNS lyme disease. Initiation of medical therapy included IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) and parenteral ceftriaxone. This case may report an additional vector of disease in patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of GBS.