Recent tests in Pune reveal Campylobacter jejuni in suspected GBS patients, raising health concerns
They tested blood samples from 23 patients, and thankfully, none showed signs of chikungunya, dengue, or zika. However, nine of those samples tested positive for norovirus, which can cause nasty stomach issues.
Since January, Pune has seen a spike in suspected GBS cases, with 67 reported so far. This includes cases from different areas like Pune Rural and the Pune Municipal Corporation.
A civic official mentioned that three of the samples sent for testing showed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni. More results are expected soon.
Dr. Ameet Dravid from Poona Hospital pointed out that while this infection can trigger GBS, it’s quite rare. He stressed the need for genome sequencing to check if the bacteria have become resistant to the usual water treatment methods.
Dr. Babita Kamlapurkar, a health services director, advised people not to panic but to take precautions like boiling water and maintaining good hygiene.
Interestingly, there was a similar cluster of GBS cases linked to Campylobacter in Mexico and Arizona back in 2011. GBS can cause muscle weakness and even paralysis, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.