A study revealed that the virus can infect nerve cells

The coronavirus can infect nerve cells and trigger local immune reactions that may be the cause Neurological and psychological complications associated with Covid-19. These are the conclusions of a Dutch study published in the American Journal of Microbiology, according to AFP.

virus spread It stops quickly and is limited to a few brain cellsHowever, this results in minor injury response to cytokinesThe study concluded that messengers between immune cells play a role in local infection. “What we saw is consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection.” It rarely leads to acute encephalitis The virus is spreading uncontrollably in the brain, Debbie van Riel, a virology researcher at Erasmus MC Hospital in Rotterdam, said in a statement.

Neurological disorders reported by patients

But the fact that SARS-CoV-2 can eventually enter the brain through the olfactory nerve and infect cells locally, which in turn triggers an inflammatory response, It can definitely contribute to neurological disordersSince the beginning of the epidemic, patients around the world have reported neurological and psychiatric disorders such as: from Memory problems, headaches, rare psychosis, and even encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue).

One in three people who hit Covid-19 are diagnosed with a neurological or psychiatric condition within six months of infectionIn April, she referred to a large study published in the specialized journal Lancet Sciatri. A growing body of evidence indicates this The virus can enter the brain through the olfactory nerve.

However, what happens after SARS-CoV-2 enters the brain is still poorly understood. In addition to what our study indicates, the immune system likely plays a role as well. More research is needed to find outResearcher Fimke de Frege from the Department of Psychiatry at Erasmus Hospital said:

The researchers observed the virus for a short time in vitro, in cultured neurons obtained from induced pluripotent (iPS) strains. “We also studied a limited number of types of brain cells,” Ms de Vrij added, noting that further research may shed light on “Short and long-term effects of viral infection on brain structures“.