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According to German scientists, the new coronavirus can enter the brain through nerve cells in the olfactory lining. According to them, the presence of the virus in this area explains many neurological symptoms in some patients with Covid-19.
German scientists have determined that the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the brain via neurons in the olfactory mucosa, according to an article published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
They recall that it is now established that Covid-19 affects not only the respiratory system but also other systems of our body. In particular, according to them, one in three patients reports neurological symptoms such as loss or modification of smell and taste, headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. In some patients, coronavirus infection is accompanied by stroke or other serious illnesses caused by the virus entering the brain.
German scientists set out to discover the mechanisms by which the new coronavirus can reach the brain and how the immune system responds.
These biologists from the Charité Clinic in Berlin studied tissue samples from 33 people who died from Covid-19 at their facility and at the Göttingen University Medical Center (UMG).
The virus found in the olfactory mucosa
Using the latest technology, they analyzed samples taken from four different areas of the brain. All tissues were tested for SARS-CoV-2 virus genetic material and albumin.
As a result, the scientists found evidence of the virus’ presence in the neuroanatomical structures that connect the eyes, mouth and nose to the brain stem and for the first time received an image of the coronavirus entering inside. the olfactory mucosa, where the researchers recorded a maximum presence of the virus.
This route of entry through the olfactory mucosa, according to scientists, is also indicated by the anatomical proximity of the mucous cells, blood vessels and nerve cells in this area.
“Upon entering the olfactory mucosa, the virus uses neuroanatomical bonds such as the olfactory nerve. Our data shows that the virus travels from one nerve cell to another to reach the brain. It is likely that the virus is also transferred from blood vessels, as it has also been detected in the blood walls of the brain, “explains Helena Radbruch, one of the authors of the article, from the neurology department of the Charité clinic.
Covid-19 is not the only one
Scientists say the new coronavirus is not the only virus that can enter the brain in this way. Among others, researchers name the rabies and herpes viruses.
“In our view, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in nerve cells of the olfactory mucosa explains the neurological symptoms discovered in patients with Covid-19, such as loss of smell or taste,” according to Professor Frank Heppner.
The authors point out that all patients in this study were affected by Covid-19 in severe form, which is why it is not possible to resume the results obtained without further research on all patients with Covid-19.
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