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Updated: Nov 13, 2025

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Does reactivation of cytomegalovirus contribute to severe COVID-19 disease?
1Department of Medicine, Solna, Microbial Pathogenesis Unit, Karolinska Institutet, and Division of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Bioclinicum, Visionsgatan 4, 171 64, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. cecilia.naucler@ki.se.
Abstract:
The majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or have mild to moderate symptoms. However, for unknown reasons, about 15 % have severe pneumonia requiring hospital care and oxygen support, and about 5 % develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and multiorgan failure that result in a high mortality rate. The risk of severe COVID-19 is highest among those who are over 70 years of age. Why severe COVID-19 develops in some people but not others is not understood. Could some cases involve reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
Insights
Severe COVID-19 disproportionately affects older adults. Researchers are investigating if latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation contributes to severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Most individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience mild symptoms, but a significant percentage develop severe disease.
- Severe COVID-19, including pneumonia and multiorgan failure, leads to high mortality rates, particularly in individuals over 70.
- The underlying reasons for developing severe COVID-19 remain unclear.
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