C.Jejuni Bacteria Found in Kirkatwadi Water Amid Pune’s GBS Outbreak

Report by The Newsage Pune.

C.Jejuni Bacteria Found in Kirkatwadi Water Samples Tested by NIV

The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) has confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in water samples from Kirkatwadi, linking it to the ongoing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak. This is the first time the bacteria have been detected in water samples, though previously found in stool samples of GBS patients.

C.Jejuni bacteria found in Kirkatwadi water samples by ICMR-NIV. After finding traces of the same in stool samples of patients, the bacteria were found for the first time in water amidst the outbreak. Officials revealed that contaminated water was sourced from a well in Kolhewadi and supplied via tankers to affected areas.

Officials revealed that contaminated water was sourced from a well in Kolhewadi and supplied via tankers to affected areas. Consumption of C. jejuni-contaminated water and food can lead to infections that trigger GBS, a rare neurological disorder.

Pune district has reported 170 GBS cases, with 70% concentrated in Sinhagad Road areas, including Nanded Village, Kirkatwadi, and Dhayari. NIV has identified C. jejuni in 27 patient samples. Additionally, 173 water samples were tested, with contamination found in 33 sources.

So far, 132 confirmed and five suspected deaths have been recorded. Currently, 61 patients are in ICU, 20 on ventilator support, and 62 have been discharged. The health department continues monitoring and testing efforts.