Is there a causal nexus between norovirus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome

Author: Tandale BV, Vishwanathan R, Lavania M, Kumar N.

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Journal of the Neurological Sciences | Is there a causal nexus between norovirus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome: The lessons learnt from GBS outbreak in Pune, India, 2025

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2025.125696

A recent report details a major outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Southwest Pune in early 2025, where more than 200 individuals were affected following widespread antecedent infections. The outbreak was primarily linked to acute diarrhoeal disease, with molecular testing identifying Campylobacter jejuni in nearly half of cases and norovirus in over 20%, pointing to contaminated drinking water as the main source of exposure.

The investigation also detected both pathogens in poultry, suggesting a possible foodborne and zoonotic component. Although the outbreak was contained by March 2025 through rapid improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure, it revealed significant public health gaps, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialised neurological care, and weak disease surveillance. Many patients required prolonged hospitalisation and rehabilitation, placing heavy strain on healthcare systems and affected families.

Read the full article for an in-depth analysis of the outbreak, its public health implications, and why infection-associated GBS should be prioritised through stronger surveillance, safer water and food systems, and improved coordination between clinical, environmental, and policy sectors.