Infectivity of human coronavirus in the brain

Abstract

A new strain of human coronaviruses (hCoVs), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been identified to be responsible for the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Though major symptoms are primarily generated from the respiratory system, neurological symptoms are being reported in some of the confirmed cases, raising concerns of its potential for intracranial invasion and neurological manifestations, both in the acute phase and in the long-term. At present, it remains unclear the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 is present in the brain, and if so, its pathogenic role in the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence for neuroinvasion and neurovirulence of hCoVs has been recognised in animal and human studies. Given that SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the same family and shares characteristics in terms of receptor binding properties, it is worthwhile exploring its potential CNS manifestations. This review summarises previous findings from hCoVs in relation to the CNS, and compares these with the new strain, aiming to provide a better understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the CNS.

Neuroinvasion and Encephalitis Following Intranasal Inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 in K18-hACE2 Mice

“…Human autopsy reports have shown evidence of lymphocytic panencephalitis, meningitis and brainstem perivascular and interstitial inflammatory changes with neuronal loss in COVID-19 patients [ 20 ]. These data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can productively infect human CNS cells [ 21 ]. However, the contributions of CNS cell infection and induced neuroinflammation to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2-associated disease are not well understood.…”

Ischemic stroke related to HIV and SARS-COV-2 co-infection: a case report

“…However, these viruses can directly infect neural cells, manifesting with encephalopathy, loss of visual acuity, and cerebral herniation. Previous studies have already reported patients with respiratory failure due to brainstem involvement 5,6 .…”

The increasing importance of the novel Coronavirus

“…Moreover, symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, impaired consciousness, hypogeusia, anosmia, and epilepsy suggest brain involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection [35]. Neuroinvasion and neurovirulence of human coronaviruses has been shown in both human and animal studies [36]. Invivo brain alteration due to SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated using magnetic resonance imaging and it has been suggested that neuroinvasion of SARS-CoV-2 may play a role in respiratory failure of infected patients [37].…”