# Cytogenetic Alterations Observed in Exfoliative Cells of the Tongue and Oral Mucosa of SARS-CoV-2-Vaccinated Patients: Report of Two Cases and a Brief Literature Review

## TL;DR

This paper reports cytogenetic changes in oral cells of vaccinated individuals and suggests the need for monitoring such cases after the pandemic.

## Contribution

The paper presents two cases of cytogenetic alterations in vaccinated individuals and highlights the need for post-pandemic monitoring.

## Key findings

- Cytogenetic alterations were observed in exfoliative cells of the tongue and oral mucosa of SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated patients.
- The presence of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in oral tissues may make the oral cavity a target for SARS-CoV-2-related lesions.
- The paper emphasizes the importance of monitoring vaccinated individuals for potential long-term effects.

## Abstract

The wide distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) in oral tissues, especially in the salivary glands, which are natural reservoirs of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), contributes to the classification of the oral cavity as a potential target for the development of lesions. Despite the effective response produced by next-generation immunizers, the possibility of immune escape by new lineages of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be refuted. Therefore, we describe here the occurrence of cytogenetic alterations in orally exfoliated cells of immunized individuals and, based on the literature review, call attention to the need to monitor these cases in the post-pandemic period.