Expect the unexpected: a case report of bacterial meningitis causing Guillain-Barré syndrome in an immunocompetent person

Joycel Angelique F. Chua

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20233041

Authors

Joycel Angelique F. Chua Department of Neurosciences, East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20233041

Keywords:

Meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Polyradiculoneuropathy, CNS infection

Abstract

This is the case report of a 36-year-old male presenting as acute onset of progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness, initially managed as a case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). However, his cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis Y, Neisseria meningitidis W135, Streptococcus group B antigen, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient was later treated for bacterial meningitis. Most cases of GBS are preceded by an upper respiratory infection or gastroenteritis. There are only a few reported cases of bacterial meningitis occurring coincidentally with GBS, much more in an immunocompetent individual. This is a rare case of such with good patient recovery and outcome.

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