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How COVID-19 affects the Peripheral Nervous System

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How COVID-19 affects the Peripheral Nervous System

With the outbreak and spread of coronavirus, the primary areas of concern include the

respiratory system. Scientists have established that the affection of the coronavirus can go

beyond the respiratory system, and one of the primary and deadly areas the virus affects is the

nervous system. Moreover, various neurological manifestations have been recorded post and

during COVID19 conditions.

The article “How COVID-19 affects the nervous system” by Thomas 2020 explains ways

in which the virus affects the nervous system. According to the author, different coronaviruses

such as HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, MERS-CoV, HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV-2, and SARS-

CoV-1 cause human infections. The article affirms that the COVID19 virus passes on a disease

to humans through the ACE2 receptor in numerous tissues, comprising the airways of the

epithelium, the small intestine, the cells of the kidney, and the proper lung tissues as well as the

endothelial cells. Moreover, according to the authors, since the endothelium is located

throughout the body in blood vessels, it provides a potential route for the localization of the

CoVs in the brain. Reports have also indicated the location of ACE2 in the astrocytes, neurons as

well as oligodendrocytes.

Additionally, according to Thomas (2020), the ACE2 in the neuronal tissue is exhibited

on the surface and within the cytoplasm. The results indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 may infect

the glial and neurons in every part of the central nervous system. Notably, the virus infects the

nerve system through various mechanisms; for instance, the transmission of the virus through the

infected cells synapses, entrance into the brain via the olfactory nerves, migration of the diseased

white blood cells through the blood-brain barrier, and the infections of the vascular endothelium.
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This article is relevant to the project as it explains how the COVID19 virus impacts the

nervous system. The authors provide a relevant view of the process of COVID 19 infection. The

virus has been demonstrated to spread through the nerve starting from the exterior nerve endings.

It moves through the synapses and goes into the brain. The movement is transferred through the

existence of the pathway for exocytosis or endocytosis between motor cortex neurons and the

secretary vesicular between satellite cells and neurons. Therefore, by providing a pathway for

infection of the COVID19 virus as well as the various strains of the virus, this article helps

understand the impact of the virus on the human nervous system.

The second article, “Effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system,” is a significant article

to comprehending the impact of the virus COVID19 on the nervous system. According to

Iacedola (2020), neurological difficulties have arisen as noteworthy causes of mortality and

morbidity with the progressing COVID-19 pandemic. The patient hospitalized with the virus has

respiratory insufficiency and neurological manifestations that vary from headache, loss of smell,

disabling strokes, and confusion. Moreover, the author also affirms that the COVID19 has a

long-term effect on the nervous system. They provide significant pathways for explaining the

mode of transmission of the pandemic. Notably, the article provides a critical appraisal

concerning the potential for neurotropism as well as the various pathogenesis mechanisms for the

SARS-CoV-2 and how it connects with the chronic and acute neurological infection

consequences.

This article is significant in answering the fundamental question of the research topic.

Through the article, the project will articulate the pathogenies of the COVID19 virus. The article

provides a significant explanation and description of how the covid19 virus affects the nervous

systems. An in-depth look at the article ensures that the researchers understand the basics as well
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as the mode of transmission of the pandemic. This significantly helps in articulating the primary

aim of the project. Additionally, since the article provides potential avenues for future research,

it provides a pathway into understanding the various approaches for conducting viable research

for the good of the project and knowledge. Moreover, this article avails relevant responses to the

primary objectives and purposes of the project.

Glossary of terms

 COVID-19- is the novel coronavirus that is caused by the new strain of coronavirus

 The central nervous system-the central nervous system consists of the spinal cord and the

brain, where the brain plays a central role such as movements, awareness, and thoughts.

 SARS-CoV-2- this is a new type of coronavirus that currently affects people.

 Peripheral nervous system manifestations- this includes the nervous system outside the

brain and spinal cord and comprises spinal nerves, cranial nerves, and their roots.
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References

Iadecola, C., Anrather, J., & Kamel, H. (2020). Effects of COVID-19 on the nervous

system. Cell. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.08.028

Thomas, L. (2020). How COVID-19 affects the nervous system. https://www.news-

medical.net/news/20200531/How-COVID-19-affects-the-nervous-system.aspx