RUDN University scientists have identified a possible mechanism for a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes in patients with COVID-19. This condition of immune cell deficiency is called lymphocytopenia and is responsible for the body's reduced defense against infection. This was reported in a press release published on the website Godnauki.rf.
Researchers assessed the viral load and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the lungs, lymph nodes and spleen in 36 patients who died from COVID-19 associated with lymphocytopenia. In 63.8 percent of the deceased, the lymphocyte count was below the critical value.
In 33 percent, the virus was found in the lungs, and the state of the cells indicated bronchopneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome in the stage of lung tissue repair while maintaining respiratory failure. In 58.4 percent of patients, the virus was also found in the lungs, lymph nodes and spleen. This corresponded to the phase of damage to the pulmonary capillaries and alveoli, resulting in impaired gas exchange.
Scientists have also shown that SARS-CoV-2 viruses can directly infect lymphocytes and can cause lymphocytopenia due to the destruction of immune cells. A similar process has been described for infections with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.
