COVID-19 During Development: A Matter of Concern

Abstract

A new infectious disease, COVID-19, has spread around the world. The most common symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are cough and fever, but severe cases can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. The main receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in human tissue is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and the lungs, heart, and kidneys are the most affected organs. Besides the inflammatory process and tissue damage, the presence of a cytokine “storm” has been related to a higher mortality rate. Other infectious viral diseases, such as Zika, chikungunya, and influenza, were associated with complications in pregnant women, such as growth restriction, malformation, preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, and death, although they can also cause developmental disorders in infants and adolescents. Evidence points out that stressors during pregnancy and infancy may lead to the development of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we hypothesize that COVID-19 infection during the critical phases of development can program the individual to chronic diseases in adulthood. It is important that COVID-19 patients receive proper monitoring as a way to avoid expensive costs to public health in the future.

The Development of SARS-CoV-2 Variants: The Gene Makes the Disease

“…This could be a consequence of the enormous viral load found in individuals infected with the Delta variant, and the improved capacities for cell entry worsening the disease symptoms, along with the fact that young people are not yet vaccinated in many populations. Physicians are urging pregnant women to vaccinate as the Delta variant surges, and many countries have already started vaccinating their youngest population [214]. Much more data are needed and interesting ongoing trials are covering the topic [215].…”