Does cystic fibrosis constitute an advantage in COVID-19 infection?
Valentino Bezzerri, Francesca Lucca, Sonia Volpi, Marco Cipolli
Abstract
The Veneto region is one of the most affected Italian regions by COVID-19. Chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may constitute a risk factor in COVID-19. Moreover, respiratory viruses were generally associated with severe pulmonary impairment in cystic fibrosis (CF). We would have therefore expected numerous cases of severe COVID-19 among the CF population. Surprisingly, we found that CF patients were significantly protected against infection by SARS-CoV-2. We discussed this aspect formulating some reasonable theories.
Topics & Concepts
Cystic fibrosisCOPDCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Lung infectionMedicinePulmonary diseasePulmonary fibrosisSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)LungLung diseasePopulationDiseaseImmunologyRespiratory systemPathologyInternal medicineInfectious disease (medical specialty)Environmental healthCystic Fibrosis Research AdvancesLong-Term Effects of COVID-19COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies