Which infection is a known risk factor for the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children?

Campylobacter jejuni infection is known to be a significant risk factor for the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in children, as well as in adults. GBS is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy that often follows an infectious illness. The association between GBS and Campylobacter jejuni is well-documented, with studies showing that the immune response triggered by the infection can lead to the body's own immune system mistakenly attacking the peripheral nervous system. This cross-reactivity is thought to be due to molecular mimicry, where the structure of the Campylobacter bacteria closely resembles components of nerve cells, leading the immune system to attack both.

In contrast, while viruses such as herpes simplex and influenza can cause various neurological complications, they are not as strongly associated with GBS as Campylobacter jejuni. Escherichia coli infections may lead to gastroenteritis and other complications, but they lack the same level of evidence linking them to GBS. This makes the connection between Campylobacter jejuni and Guillain-Barré syndrome particularly significant in understanding the triggers for this neurological condition in pediatric patients.