Title : Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) probably induced after COVID-19 vaccination
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic which is caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a global threat to humanity and has become challenging even for the most durable healthcare systems.
In this moment of misery and lack of control over the infection, it seems that we may combat the problem through one of the most effective public-health interventions—vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccines are widely credited for their role in reducing the spread, morbidity, and mortality caused by the disease. However, various immune mediated diseases (IMD) flares or new disease onset after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were observed across the world.
These adverse reactions to vaccines may be viewed as a result of the interaction between susceptibility of the vaccinated subject and various vaccine components. Among the implicated mechanisms for these reactions is molecular mimicry. In this, the resemblance between specific human protein and vaccine element can trigger activation of T-cell and B-cell causing immune cross-reactivity explaining post-vaccination autoimmune phenomenon.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a perfect example of such an autoimmune disease. SLE is generally found in young females in which organs undergo damage initially mediated by tissue-binding autoantibodies and immune complexes. Though, it is considered as a genetically predisposed disease, many cases reported are viral infection, vaccine, drug induced or idiopathic in nature. Relations between COVID-19 vaccination and SLE are not clear. Here, we report a case of SLE manifestation probably induced by *Covishield vaccine in a 22-year-old female. Initially thought to be chondromalacia, was later diagnosed as SLE. After initial presentation with right knee pain following first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, she was treated with physiotherapy and analgesics resulting in almost 80% benefit in the symptom relief. After second dose, she developed petechial rashes over lower limb, bipedal edema and polyarthralgia and confirmed as SLE with laboratory investigations.
* Covishield is a brand name for Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, covishield vaccine, molecular mimicry
Audience Takeaway:
- Audience will get a glimpse of how molecular mimicry works and causes immune cross- reactivity.
- A brief presentation of a reported case of SLE probably induced by covid vaccine.
- An open discussion on covid vaccine and its adverse effects.
