Influenza vaccination and Guillain–Barré syndrome: Reality or fear

Abstract

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disorder and an acute immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy that causes reduced signal transmissions, progressive muscle weakness, and paralysis. The etiology of the syndrome still remains controversial and uncertain. GBS can be initiated and triggered by respiratory tract infections such as influenza, and intestinal infections such as Campylobacter jejuni. In addition, there is considerable evidence suggesting links between influenza vaccination and GBS. As reported previously, the incidence of GBS in individuals receiving swine flu vaccine was about one to two cases per million. Despite the influenza vaccine efficacy, its association with an immune-mediated demyelinating process can be challenging as millions of people get vaccinated every year. In this review we will discuss the association between influenza infection and vaccination with GBS by focusing on the possible immunopathological mechanisms.

Antigenic Variability a Potential Factor in Assessing Relationship Between Guillain Barré Syndrome and Influenza Vaccine – Up to Date Literature Review

“…We included seven case series studies in which cases of GBS were identified by using specific diagnostic criteria and evaluated for previous exposure to the influenza vaccine [22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. The remaining three studies were used for basic understanding and comprehensive discussion on the pathophysiological aspect of GBS associated with the influenza vaccine [1,29,30].…”

“…Side effects of vaccines are a crucial factor for the acceptance of vaccination programs [30]. Influenza vaccines are not known to cause serious side effects [29]. However, since the 1976 origin of the swine influenza vaccine, various studies have been conducted worldwide to estimate the risk of GBS following different types of influenza vaccines.…”

“…During the influenza pandemic of 2009, the pandemic influenza vaccine was created by using the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus. Seasonal vaccines are available commonly every year with new formulation as the virus changes their genome [29]. Since the 2009 influenza pandemic, studies have been performed to compare the risk of GBS between the monovalent pandemic influenza vaccine and the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine.…”

“…A recent article published in December 2019 by Arefeh et al included 39 studies to monitor the possibility of GBS after receiving the pandemic and the seasonal influenza vaccine. An overview of these studies reported a slightly higher risk of GBS with the pandemic influenza vaccine in comparison to the seasonal influenza vaccine [29]. In Taiwan, a population-based case-control was conducted to determine the potential relationship between the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine and GBS in hospitalized patients age >50 from 2007 to 2015.…”

Metabolism of Glycosphingolipids and Their Role in the Pathophysiology of Lysosomal Storage Disorders

“…This process is the leading risk factor for the development of nerve dysfunction in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Interestingly, an unfortunate occurrence of this neurological disease was also seen in several people after vaccination with the swine flu vaccine contaminated with GM1 from Campylobacter jejuni [47,48].…”