Background: Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein (TP) concentration (mainly due to a dysfunctional blood-CSF barrier (B-CSFB)) with normal cell count is a hallmark for the diagnosis of Guillain-Barrι syndrome (GBS). Aims: This work presents the evaluation of B-CSFB dysfunction with respect to the course, severity, and clinical features of GBS. Materials and Methods: A sample of CSF was collected on admission from 68 patients of both genders (15 children and 53 adults) diagnosed with GBS. A follow-up CSF sample was obtained approximately 15 days after admission. TP concentration was determined in the CSF and 7.5% polycrylamide gel electrophoresis was employed for serum and CSF protein fractioning. A low percentage of prealbumin fraction was considered a test of impaired B-CSFB. Results: Elevated TP concentration and lower prealbumin were observed in almost 70% of the patients on admission, but this percentage was lower (52.4%) during the first week from onset of symptoms. Both variables were directly associated with the time of evolution of the disease and also with a greater clinical severity. Follow-up CSF studies showed higher CSF TP and lower prealbumin percentages, while deceased patients did not display this response pattern in the follow-up CSF. Conclusions: B-CSFB dysfunction was present in only half of the patients with GBS during the first week from onset and it was directly associated with progression and clinical severity; nevertheless, a low B-CSFB dysfunction response during follow-up was associated with a lethal outcome, suggesting it could also serve a 'protective' effect during regeneration.

In May 2024, the Pan American Health Organization issued alerts of increased numbers of cases of Oropouche fever in non-Amazonian regions in Latin America. Following this, an association between Oropouche fever and Guillain–Barré syndrome was reported in three patients in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Neurological manifestations have rarely been described in relation to Oropouche virus infection. Previously, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis have been associated with Oropouche virus infection, but now the virus seems also to be associated with Guillain–Barré syndrome. In this article we describe the main factors that could underlie the increased incidence of Oropouche fever and its neurological complications. Oropouche virus should be recognized as a potential pathogen in cases of fever associated with neurological symptoms (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and Guillain–Barré syndrome). Medical professionals and health systems need to be aware of these complications and the importance of early diagnosis and preparedness, especially during large outbreaks or in patients living in or coming from endemic regions.

Globally, SARS CoV-2 omicron variant has led to a notable increase of COVID-19 diagnoses, although with less severe clinical manifestations and decreased hospitalizations. The omicron wave swelled faster than previous waves, completely displacing the delta variant within weeks, and creating worldwide concern about final, successful pandemic control. Some authors contend that symptoms associated to omicron […]