E-Mail
Heidelberg/Germany, 14 December 2020 - Molecular markers in the blood shown to be predictive of severe COVID-19 outcomes resulting from SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection have been identified in a study by a Chinese research team. The study results extend understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical progress of COVID-19 with potential for identifying early during the course of infection which individuals are most at risk of developing severe conditions and requiring hospital care.
In addition to pneumonia and septic syndrome, a smaller proportion of patients have also developed severe gastrointestinal and/or cardiovascular symptoms as well as neurological manifestations after SARS-COV-2 infection. This is possible because the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor used by SARS-COV-2 for cell entry is found in other organs beside the lungs, including the heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestines and also the CNS (Central Nervous System), especially the glial non-neuronal cells of the brain.