Does reactivation of cytomegalovirus contribute to severe COVID-19 disease?

Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér1

  • 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.

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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