Guillain-Barre Syndrome Associated with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Case Report and Review

Abstract

We report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). The patient initially presented with fever, rash, and an altered mental status, and he responded to therapy with intravenous doxycycline; serological data confirmed RMSF. Concurrent physical findings and results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and nerve conduction studies were compatible with GBS. Although neurological complications of RMSF are common, no known associations between RMSF and GBS were found in the literature. An association between possible infection with Rickettsia conorii and GBS was reported in a French study in 1968. To our knowledge, this is the first reported association between RMSF and GBS.