[Guillain-Barré syndrome].

Sera from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following Campylobacter jejuni infection have autoantibody to GM1 ganglioside in the acute phase of the illness. There is a strong association between GBS and Penner's serotype 19 (PEN 19) of C. jejuni. The terminal structure of the bacterial lipopolysaccharide is identical to the terminal tetrasaccharide of GM1 ganglioside. Anti-GM1 antibody inhibits motoneuron excitability. Molecular mimicry between infectious agents and nerve tissue components may function in the development of GBS.