SARS-CoV-2 can infect kidneys directly

Up to 25% of patients’ COVID-19 cases involve acute kidney injury—the kidneys’ equivalent of a heart attack.

Clinicians have suspected that such injuries are a side effect of the immune system’s sudden release of inflammatory proteins, cytokines, to battle the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The “cytokine storms” are known to damage tissues and organs.

New research published in JCI Insight, however, demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 can directly invade human kidney cells – specifically the proximal tubules, which are major gatekeepers in the organs’ waste-filtering function.

Dr. Benjamin Freedman, associate professor (Nephrology) is senior author. He says the team’s finding means clinicians should consider COVID-19-implicated kidney infections “in the same way we think about lung and heart infections – which is to monitor these organs for poorer function going forward.

There is a risk of a “long-hauler” effect that could progress to chronic kidney disease, so these patients should consider getting lab tests three to 12 months after they’ve recovered to confirm their kidneys are functioning and stable, in accordance with their physician's recommendations.”

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