Relevance: GS II (Health) & GS III (Science – Diseases) | Source: The Hindu / Indian Express

1. The Human Context

A sudden health scare has emerged in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, where an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has claimed the lives of two children.

  • The Response: Authorities are on high alert with 18 detected cases. A central team is currently testing water and food sources, applying a “One Health” approach (checking animals, environment, and humans together) to find the root cause.

2. The Science: The “Insulation” Error

  • The Mechanism: GBS is a rare Autoimmune Disorder. Imagine your immune system is a security guard. Instead of fighting intruders (germs), it mistakenly attacks the Peripheral Nerves.
  • The Damage: Specifically, it attacks the Myelin Sheath—the fatty layer that insulates nerves (like the plastic coating on an electric wire).
    • The Result: Without insulation, signals get scrambled. This leads to “Ascending Paralysis”—weakness starts in the feet/legs and climbs up. If it reaches the lungs, the patient cannot breathe.

3. Triggers & Myths

  • Is it Contagious? No. You cannot catch GBS from a patient like the flu.
  • The Trigger: It is usually a post-infection reaction. It happens weeks after a person has recovered from a respiratory or stomach infection.
  • Common Culprits:
    • Bacteria: Campylobacter jejuni (found in undercooked poultry).
    • Viruses: Zika, Influenza, or even COVID-19.

UPSC Value Box

Concept / Term

Relevance for Prelims

Autoimmune DiseaseA condition where the body’s defense system attacks healthy cells by mistake. (e.g., GBS, Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis).
PlasmapheresisA treatment method often used for GBS. It involves “washing” the blood to remove the harmful antibodies attacking the nerves.
One Health ApproachAn integrated strategy where human health, animal health, and environmental health are viewed as connected. Essential for tracing zoonotic outbreaks.

Q. With reference to the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through contaminated water.
  2. It is characterized as an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system.
  3. The condition often manifests as “ascending paralysis,” starting from the lower limbs and spreading upwards.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (c)

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