Does reactivation of cytomegalovirus contribute to severe COVID-19 disease?
Cecilia Söderberg‐Nauclér
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)?
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCytomegalovirusAsymptomaticSeptic shockCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PneumoniaARDSDiseaseIntensive care medicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Multiorgan failureCytomegalovirus infectionImmunologyPediatricsSepsisInternal medicineInfectious disease (medical specialty)Human cytomegalovirusLungVirusViral diseaseHerpesviridaeCytomegalovirus and herpesvirus researchLong-Term Effects of COVID-19COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies