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

**Authors:** Shiyuan Xie, Yueling Zhang, Feng Shen, Lining Wu, Yunxia Tang, Jun Li

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1729694 · Frontiers in Immunology · 2026-01-07

## TL;DR

A case report describes a patient with Guillain−Barré syndrome possibly linked to levofloxacin, which improved after efgartigimod treatment.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of GBS associated with levofloxacin treated with efgartigimod.

## Key findings

- GBS symptoms improved following efgartigimod treatment after limited response to other therapies.
- This case suggests efgartigimod may be a potential treatment for GBS linked to levofloxacin exposure.
- Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and mechanisms of efgartigimod in such cases.

## 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.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** levofloxacin (PubChem CID 149096), ofloxacin (PubChem CID 4583), methylprednisolone (PubChem CID 6741)
- **Diseases:** Guillain−Barré syndrome (MONDO:0016218), peripheral neuropathy (MONDO:0003620)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** flaccid paralysis (MESH:C000629404), GBS (MESH:D020275), peripheral neuropathy (MESH:D010523)
- **Chemicals:** ofloxacin (MESH:D015242), efgartigimod (MESH:C000718373), Levofloxacin (MESH:D064704), fluoroquinolone (MESH:D024841), methylprednisolone (MESH:D008775)

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12819696/full.md

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12819696/full.md

## References

28 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12819696/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12819696