[COVID-19 and the central and peripheral nervous system]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, reveals significant health effects beyond the lungs.
• Neurological symptoms involving the central nervous system (CNS) are increasingly recognized as a major factor influencing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, leading to acute and long-term consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 neuropathogenesis and its relationship to acute and chronic neurological symptoms.
• To explore potential direct and indirect viral infection pathways within the nervous system.
• To present the Germany-wide CNS-COVID19 registry as a resource for advancing knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neuropathological manifestations and molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of potential viral infection routes affecting the central nervous system.
• Overview of the CNS-COVID19 registry and collaborative research efforts.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to diverse neuropathological manifestations.
• Both direct viral invasion and indirect inflammatory responses contribute to CNS damage.
• Systemic effects of COVID-19 play a role in neurological symptom development.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 neuropathogenesis is crucial for managing neurological complications of COVID-19.
• The CNS-COVID19 registry provides a valuable platform for collaborative research and a deeper understanding of COVID-19's neurological impact.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system.