SARS-CoV-2 viral liver aggregates and scarce parenchymal infection implicate systemic disease as a driver of abnormal liver function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Liver function tests (LFTs) are elevated in >50% of hospitalized individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), with increased enzyme levels correlating with a more severe COVID-19 course. Despite these observations, evaluations of viral presence within liver parenchyma and viral impact on liver function remain controversial.

Methods and results

Our work is a comprehensive immunopathological evaluation of liver tissue from 33 patients with severe, and ultimately fatal, cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coupled with clinical data, we reveal the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cholangiocytes and hepatocytes despite dramatic systemic viral presence. Critically, we identify significant focal viral sinusoidal aggregates in 2/33

SUBMITTER: Pepe-Mooney BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10615432 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature