Serum anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies recognize surface epitopes on Campylobacter jejuni from patients with Miller Fisher syndrome

Ann Neurol. 1995 Feb;37(2):260-4. doi: 10.1002/ana.410370218.

Abstract

Three patients who had diarrhea prior to the development of Miller Fisher syndrome are presented. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from stool specimens from all patients. High titers of anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies were demonstrated in the serum of these patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and thin-layer chromatography overlay. In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition studies the anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies bound specifically to whole bacteria of the Miller Fisher syndrome-associated C. jejuni strains. The presence of anti-GQ1b IgG binding epitopes on the surface of the C. jejuni from the patients was not exclusively associated with a specific Penner serotype. It is suggested that anti-GQ1b antibodies are formed during the initial infection that elicits Miller Fisher syndrome. The cross-reactivity of anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies with surface epitopes on Miller Fisher syndrome-associated C. jejuni strains supports the hypothesis of molecular mimicry between bacteria and neural tissue.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ataxia / immunology
  • Ataxia / microbiology*
  • Campylobacter Infections / immunology
  • Campylobacter jejuni / immunology*
  • Diarrhea / immunology
  • Diarrhea / microbiology*
  • Epitopes
  • Gangliosides / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Male
  • Molecular Mimicry
  • Ophthalmoplegia / immunology
  • Ophthalmoplegia / microbiology*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • Gangliosides
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • GQ1b ganglioside