October 3, 2016 (Updated Oct. 4, 2016)
Source:
Institut
national de la recherche scientifique - INRS
Summary:
For
the first time, researchers have found proof of a direct association between
strain OC 43 of the human coronavirus (HCoV) and neurological disease in
humans. Researchers suggest the neuropathological effects of this virus are
responsible for approximately 20% of common colds and more severe respiratory
conditions in certain vulnerable individuals
 |
| Credit: Institut national de la recherche scientifique |
The researchers studied the case of a very young patient who
died from encephalitis. The patient had presented severe immunodeficiency and
received a stem cell transplant. Although most cases of encephalitis are caused
by viruses or bacteria, it can be particularly difficult to pinpoint the cause
in immunodeficient patients. As the case study shows, it was impossible to
identify the pathogen using conventional techniques.
The researchers used various methods that allowed them to
irrefutably identify the presence of strain OC-43 of the human coronavirus in
the young patient's brain tissue. "Among the methods used, deep sequencing
of biopsy materials provides an important tool for the diagnosis of unexplained
encephalitis, particularly in immunodeficient patients who have undergone stem
cell transplantation," said Professor Talbot. This breakthrough is
significant because it will make it possible to use specific treatments that
are better tailored to patient conditions.
The results obtained confirm Professor Talbot's hypothesis that
the human respiratory coronavirus can cause certain neurological diseases of
unknown origin, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, and encephalitis.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Institut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS. Original written by Gisèle Bolduc. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Sofia Morfopoulou, Julianne R. Brown, E. Graham Davies, Glenn Anderson, Alex Virasami, Waseem Qasim, Wui K. Chong, Michael Hubank, Vincent Plagnol, Marc Desforges, Thomas S. Jacques, Pierre J. Talbot, Judith Breuer. Human Coronavirus OC43 Associated with Fatal Encephalitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 2016; 375 (5): 497 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc1509458
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161003114804.htm
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