Current clinical findings of acute neurological syndromes after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Neuro-COVID, a condition marked by persistent symptoms post-COVID-19 infection, notably affects various organs, with a particular focus on the central nervous system (CNS). Despite scant evidence of SARS-CoV-2 invasion in the CNS, the increasing incidence of Neuro-COVID cases indicates the onset of acute neurological symptoms early in infection. The Omicron variant, distinguished by heightened neurotropism, penetrates the CNS via the olfactory bulb. This direct invasion induces inflammation and neuronal damage, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding potential neurological complications. Our multicenter study represents a groundbreaking revelation, documenting the definite presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a significant proportion of Neuro-COVID patients. Furthermore, notable differences emerged between RNA-CSF-positive and negative patients, encompassing aspects such as blood-brain barrier integrity, extent of neuronal damage, and the activation status of inflammation. Despite inherent limitations, this research provides pivotal insights into the intricate interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the CNS, underscoring the necessity for ongoing research to fully comprehend the virus's enduring effects on the CNS. The findings underscore the urgency of continuous investigation Neuro-COVID to unravel the complexities of this relationship, and pivotal in addressing the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on neurological health. Phylogeny and genomic features of 10 SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Notably, nine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and one matched nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) sample displayed substantial coverage of the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome, meeting the criteria of 10x >= 90% and 100x >= 60% against the original Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 genome. The phylogenetic tree, crafted using RAxML and visualized with iTOL, highlights consensus genomes from each analyzed sample. Sample types are denoted by the yellow square, and distinct Pango lineages, identified by Nextclade, are represented by the blue square. For clarity, three bubble plots showcase sequencing coverage (1x, 10x, and 100x) for each sample in comparison with the first Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 genome. Furthermore, the figure illustrates mapping and semi-log depth of coverage of sequencing reads for each sample against the initial Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 genome, providing a comprehensive depiction of the genomic attributes of the examined isolates. # image