Open AccessDoes COVID‐19 contribute to development of neurological disease?
Author(s) -
Mahalakshmi Arehally M.,
Ray Bipul,
Tuladhar Sunanda,
Bhat Abid,
Paneyala Shasthara,
Patteswari Duraisamy,
Sakharkar Meena Kishore,
Hamdan Hamdan,
Ojcius David M.,
Bolla Srinivasa Rao,
Essa Musthafa Mohamed,
Chidambaram Saravana Babu,
Qoronfleh M. Walid
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
immunity, inflammation and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2050-4527
DOI - 10.1002/iid3.387
Subject(s) - neuroinflammation , coronavirus , pneumonia , disease , neurodegeneration , central nervous system , medicine , neuroscience , immune system , covid-19 , immunology , biology , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Background Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been associated primarily with pneumonia, recent data show that the causative agent of COVID‐19, the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), can infect a large number of vital organs beyond the lungs, such as the heart, kidneys, and the brain. Thus, there is evidence showing possible retrograde transmission of the virus from the olfactory epithelium to regions of the brain stem. Methods This is a literature review article. The research design method is an evidence‐based rapid review. The present discourse aim is first to scrutinize and assess the available literature on COVID‐19 repercussion on the central nervous system (CNS). Standard literature and database searches were implemented, gathered relevant material, and extracted information was then assessed. Results The angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors being the receptor for the virus, the threat to the central nervous system is expected. Neurons and glial cells express ACE2 receptors in the CNS, and recent studies suggest that activated glial cells contribute to neuroinflammation and the devastating effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the CNS. The SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced immune‐mediated demyelinating disease, cerebrovascular damage, neurodegeneration, and depression are some of the neurological complications discussed here. Conclusion This review correlates present clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 patients with possible neurological consequences in the future, thus preparing healthcare providers for possible future consequences of COVID‐19.