Concerning the neurotropy and neuroinvasiveness of coronaviruses

Concerning the neurotropy and neuroinvasiveness of coronaviruses

Vladislav B. Voitenkov, Eugene V. Ekusheva

At the present moment of COVID-19 development, we may propose some preliminary thoughts on its direct and distant sequels. In our review we suggest that the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as other members of the Coronaviridae family, may possess neurotropic and neuroinvasive features; they may enter the nervous system via the intranasal way and directly infect the human brain, causing lesions in the brainstem nuclei of the cardiorespiratory center. We assume that such a lesion may worsen the respiratory distress and lead to the respiratory failure in some patients. Taking this into consideration, immunomodulating and antiviral drugs that utilize the intranasal way of delivery may help in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in those contacting with COVID-19-infected patients. All these proposals are preliminary and need an in-depth investigation involving randomized experimental, clinical and pathomorphological studies.

2020

covid-19, neurologic sequelae, сoronaviruses, intranasal pathway

10.17816/clinpract34890

Клиническая практика

Eco-vector

Medicine