Campylobacter Jejuni, a bacteria responsible for causing diarrhoea, may be behind the unusual surge in GBS cases in Maharashtra, ICMR director general Dr Rajiv Bahl said on Thursday. GBS has affected more than 170 people in various regions of Maharashtra, mainly Pune, over the past few weeks. As many as seven deaths have also been confirmed due to the disease. “Nearly 20-30% of the samples tested so far have been confirmed positive for Campylobacter Jejuni. These patients suffered from infection caused by the bacteria before developing GBS,” Dr Bahl said. Union health ministry has deputed a team of experts to provide technical assistance to state authorities to manage the current situation.