A 32-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to a 2-day history of progressive difficulty walking and tingling in his feet. He says that his feet feel "like they've gone to sleep" and states that he tripped while walking this morning. Medical history is unremarkable except for an episode of acute diarrhea 2 weeks ago that resolved spontaneously. The patient takes no medications. He drinks 1-2 alcoholic beverages daily and does not use tobacco products or illicit drugs. Vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows decreased muscular strength in the lower extremities bilaterally with absent deep tendon reflexes. Which of the following agents is most likely associated with this patient's condition?

Question

A 32-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to a 2-day history of progressive difficulty walking and tingling in his feet.  He says that his feet feel "like they've gone to sleep" and states that he tripped while walking this morning.  Medical history is unremarkable except for an episode of acute diarrhea 2 weeks ago that resolved spontaneously.  The patient takes no medications.  He drinks 1-2 alcoholic beverages daily and does not use tobacco products or illicit drugs.  Vital signs are within normal limits.  Physical examination shows decreased muscular strength in the lower extremities bilaterally with absent deep tendon reflexes.  Which of the following agents is most likely associated with this patient's condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Guillain-Barré syndrome represents a group of immune-mediated polyneuropathies that are thought to be caused by molecular mimicry, leading to demyelination of the peripheral nerves.  Up to one-third of GBS cases are preceded by a Campylobacter jejuni infection, which is a common cause of acute diarrheal illness.

A 32-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to a 2-Day