COVID-19 Immunological Dysfunction & Suppression

Have Bacterial & Fungal Infections Become More Prevalent and/or Severe?

Immunological Dysfunction/Suppression  

 We know that most cell types in the immune system will be attacked and in some cases used against us by SARS-CoV-2. That may be shocking for people but the evidence has grown to level that makes this really clear.

For example, this study concluded, "Once inside T helper cells, SARS-CoV-2 assembles viral factories, impairs cell function, and may cause cell death. SARS-CoV-2 infected T helper cells express higher amounts of IL-10, which is associated with viral persistence and disease severity. Thus, CD4-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection of T helper cells may explain the poor adaptive immune response of many COVID-19 patients."  That's just one cell type, and note the words," viral persistence". There are studies showing the infection of T-cells, and Neutrophils. 

1. ACE2-independent infection of T lymphocytes by SARS-CoV-2

   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-00919-x

2. SARS-CoV-2 Dysregulates Neutrophil Degranulation and Reduces Lymphocyte Counts

   https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/2/382

     Due to the significant depletion of T-cells, COVID, along with AIDS are listed as the leading causes of Lymphocytopenia. 

     "People with lymphocytopenia experience recurrent infections or develop infections with unusual organisms & is a risk factor for the development of cancers & for autoimmune disorders."

https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/leukopenias/lymphocytopenia