Unique Case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with Pneumococcus in a Young Female Patient Attending Sirt Teaching Hospital, Libya

Abstract

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an infrequent neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves, leading to progressive weakness, sensory disturbances, and, in severe cases, paralysis. The precise cause of GBS remains unclear, though it is often preceded by an infection. Common infectious triggers include gastrointestinal pathogens such as Campyl-obacter and respiratory infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza. In this case report, we describe a 25-year-old female who presented with acute dyspnea, bilateral limb weakness, and sensory abnormalities beginning as a "pins-and-needles" sensation in her hands. Her condition rapidly progressed, culminating in septic shock due to Pneumococcus, complicated by Acute Respir-atory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Neurological evaluation confirmed the diag-nosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This case highlights a rare but significant as-sociation between pneumococcal infection and GBS, emphasizing the complexity of its clinical presentation.