Guillain-Barre syndrome caused by hepatitis E infection: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E infection is a global disorder that causes substantial morbidity. Numerous neurologic illnesses, including Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS), have occurred in patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 58 year-old non-immunocompromised man who presented with progressive muscle weakness in all extremities during an episode of acute HEV infection, which was confirmed by measuring the anti-HEV IgM antibodies in the serum. Both cerebrospinal fluid examination and electrophysiological study were in agreement with the diagnosis of HEV-associated GBS. Following the treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient’s neurological condition improved rapidly. CONCLUSIONS: HEV infection should be strongly considered in patients with neurological symptoms, especially those with elevated levels of liver enzymes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-2959-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.