Anti-ganglioside antibodies were not detected in human subjects infected with or vaccinated against 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus

Recipients of influenza A (HI NI) vaccine in 1976 had an increased risk for the neurologic disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Anti-ganglioside antibodies, which might be associated with the development of CBS, were previously reported to be induced in mice immunized with an H1N1 vaccine of 1976 or another influenza vaccine. In this study we analyzed anti-ganglioside antibodies in human subjects infected with or vaccinated against 2009 pandemic H1N1, including eight patients diagnosed to have post-vaccination CBS. Antibodies against GM1 or another ganglioside were not detected in any subject or in vaccinated mice. Our results did not support the induction of anti-ganglioside antibodies by influenza viruses or vaccines. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.