Dear Editor, we would like to share ideas on the publication “Effects of COVID-19 vaccine type on Guillain-Barré syndrome: Two cases and a literature review.”Citation1 Following vaccination with the adenovirus vector vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca), Lee and Lien report two cases of GBS and review the pertinent literature. Review of pertinent studies with 881 GBS patients published between December 2020 and May 2022 was conducted. Patients taking Vaxzevria reported higher rates of GBS incidence and the need for mechanical ventilation.Citation1 Lee and Lien pointed out that case reports cannot be used to estimate incidence precisely. Thus, population-based data should be used to estimate the true GBS rates following COVID-19 vaccination.Citation1 We both concur that the COVID-19 should be secure and that additional conversation about the GBS issue is required. We both agree that a study in each setting is necessary, but it’s important to remember that not all GBS cases that happen after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination are related to the vaccine. The vaccine might or might not be a direct contributor to the incidence of GBS. Sometimes, due to ignorance, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact patho-immuno-pharmacological connection. If the COVID-19 vaccine is suspected of being the root of a clinical problem, there are a few important considerations to make. It may be difficult to comprehend how chronic medical conditions affect clinical practice. For instance, in tropical countries, dengue is a common problem that can co-occur during vaccination. A dengue-related issue, such as one involving GBS, may be mistaken for a vaccine-related issue.Citation2 Another thing to consider is the COVID-19, which has not yet been identified.Citation3 During a previous COVID-19 outbreak, the outcomes and efficacy of the vaccine may have varied. Furthermore, the clinical outcome could change if COVID-19 infection is present. It is typically impossible to completely rule out the effects of prior asymptomatic disorders without the necessary laboratory testing. Genetics is a significant additional factor.Citation4 The immune system’s reaction to specific hereditary components can influence how it reacts to the adverse effects of vaccinations. Examining the underlying genetic component would be highly beneficial for drawing clinical inferences. This issue should also be taken into consideration if additional research is intended. Summative large-scale data may be available to help paint a clearer picture of the COVID-19 vaccine’s impact.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
References
- Lee HY, Lien WC. Effects of COVID-19 vaccine type on Guillain-Barré syndrome: two cases and a literature review. Hum Vaccines Immunother. 2023 Dec 31;19(1):1. doi:10.1080/21645515.2023.2171231.
- Kebayoon A, Wiwanitkit V. Dengue after COVID-19 vaccination: possible and might be missed. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2021 Jan-Dec;27:10760296211047229. doi:10.1177/10760296211047229.
- Joob B, Wiwanitkit V. Letter to the editor: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), infectivity, and the incubation period. J Prev Med Public Health. 2020 Mar;53(2):70. doi:10.3961/jpmph.20.065.
- Čiučiulkaitė I, Möhlendick B, Thümmler L, Fisenkci N, Elsner C, Dittmer U, Siffert W, Lindemann M. GNB3 c.825c>T polymorphism influences T-cell but not antibody response following vaccination with the mRNA-1273 vaccine. Front Genet. 2022 Aug 29;13:932043. doi:10.3389/fgene.2022.932043.