SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and post-vaccination severity: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Virology and Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 remains a global health threat, affecting multiple organ systems including the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, central nervous, renal, and hepatobiliary systems.
• SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to organ dysfunction via direct viral toxicity, RAAS disruption, thrombosis, immune dysregulation, and vasculitis-induced ischemic injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA-based platforms.
• To assess the risk-benefit profile of COVID-19 vaccination in light of potential adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of global vaccine administration data (13.58 billion doses as of October 2024).
• Review of reported adverse events, including thrombosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, myocarditis, and glomerular disease.
• Examination of data from systems like VAERS and Yellow Card (CDC/WHO).

Main Results:

• COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in reducing disease severity, hospitalizations, and mortality.
• While rare adverse events such as arterial/venous thrombosis, GBS, and myocarditis have been reported, their incidence is very low.
• mRNA vaccine technology demonstrates a very low probability of adverse health effects.

Conclusions:

• The substantial benefits of COVID-19 vaccination significantly outweigh the minimal risks of adverse health conditions.
• mRNA vaccines represent a safe, rapidly deployable, and effective alternative for COVID-19 prevention.
• Continued monitoring and reporting of vaccine safety are crucial for public health confidence.