Axonal Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Leptospirosis Contracted in a Cave or While Packrafting—A Case Report

A 64-y-old male went caving and packrafting in Chiapas, Mexico. On return, he developed fever, headaches, and nausea and was treated empirically for leptospirosis with ceftriaxone and doxycycline. Convalescent IgM titers returned positive for leptospirosis. Other work-up was negative. As the symptoms of leptospirosis abated, the patient developed an areflexic quadriparesis. Nerve conduction velocities confirmed acute motor axonal neuropathy consistent with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Serologic work-up disclosed anti-GD1a antibodies. He was treated with intravenous immune globulin for 5 d and then did extensive rehabilitation. Three years after diagnosis, he is once again exploring caves.