Fatal ascending paralysis after typhoid vaccine: Guillain and Barré's description of the very first case

Abstract

Background: Albeit rare, Guillain - Barré syndrome (GBS) has been associated with several vaccines. Surveys of these associations have not looked before 1950. Herein, I revisit the first described case of vaccine-associated GBS, manifesting during the Great War and to prevent typhoid.

Methods: Review of primary and secondary source material. Description of a landmark case.

Results: Review of a report of a 31-year-old brigadier who was revaccinated with “vaccin TAB” (a triple antityphoid-paratyphoid vaccine A and B) which days later was followed by rapid progression of limb weakness, oropharyngeal weakness and fatal neuromuscular respiratory weakness. Cerebrospinal fluid showed mild pleocytosis and increased protein (albumen). There was a normal brain and spinal cord at autopsy.

Conclusion: This is the first reported case of a vaccine-associated GBS.