SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Intestinal Cells of a Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

J Pediatr. 2022 Apr:243:214-218.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.11.058. Epub 2021 Nov 27.

Abstract

A previously healthy 12-year-old boy had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) that was rapidly fatal. Autopsy revealed the presence of a large intracardiac thrombus. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was detected in intestinal cells, supporting the hypothesis that viral presence in the gut may be related to the immunologic response of MIS-C.

Keywords: COVID-19; autopsy; inflammation; kawasaki disease; pathology; pathophysiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / pathology
  • Child
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Intestines* / virology
  • Male
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus*
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related