Case Report: Guillain−Barré syndrome temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure and improvement following efgartigimod treatment

Levofloxacin, the L-isomer of the racemic fluoroquinolone ofloxacin, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with broad clinical applications in both prophylactic and therapeutic indications. However, it has been associated with various adverse reactions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that typically presents with acute-onset symmetrical flaccid paralysis. Here, we report a case of GBS temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure that improved after initiation of efgartigimod, following limited response to plasma exchange, methylprednisolone, and intravenous immunoglobulin. To our knowledge, there are no previously published cases of GBS associated with levofloxacin exposure treated with efgartigimod therapy. This case suggests that efgartigimod may represent a promising treatment option for GBS temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure. However, this single case cannot establish efficacy, and delayed responses to prior therapies or spontaneous recovery remain possible alternative explanations. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this therapy.

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Journal
Frontiers in Immunology
Published
2026-01-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1729694
Primary Topic
Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
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article
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Case Report: Guillain−Barré syndrome temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure and improvement following efgartigimod treatment

Shiyuan Xie, Yueling Zhang, Jun Li, Lining Wu et al.
Frontiers in Immunology
Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
article

Case Report: Guillain−Barré syndrome temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure and improvement following efgartigimod treatment

Shiyuan Xie, Yueling Zhang, Jun Li, Lining Wu, Yunxia Tang, Feng Shen
article en

Abstract

Levofloxacin, the L-isomer of the racemic fluoroquinolone ofloxacin, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with broad clinical applications in both prophylactic and therapeutic indications. However, it has been associated with various adverse reactions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that typically presents with acute-onset symmetrical flaccid paralysis. Here, we report a case of GBS temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure that improved after initiation of efgartigimod, following limited response to plasma exchange, methylprednisolone, and intravenous immunoglobulin. To our knowledge, there are no previously published cases of GBS associated with levofloxacin exposure treated with efgartigimod therapy. This case suggests that efgartigimod may represent a promising treatment option for GBS temporally associated with levofloxacin exposure. However, this single case cannot establish efficacy, and delayed responses to prior therapies or spontaneous recovery remain possible alternative explanations. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this therapy.

Frontiers in ImmunologyVol. 16
Guangxi Medical University (CN), First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University (CN), The Second Nanning People's Hospital (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 93%
Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
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