Lack of direct association between oral mucosal lesions and SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of patients hospitalised with COVID-19

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Schwab, Gabriela ; Palmieri, Michelle ; Zerbinati, Rodrigo M. ; Sarmento, Dmitry J. S. ; Reis, Thais ; Ortega, Karem L. ; Kano, Italo T. ; Caixeta, Rafael A., V ; Hasseus, Bengt ; Sapkota, Dipak ; Junges, Roger ; Giannecchini, Simone ; Costa, Andre L. F. ; Jales, Sumatra M. C. P. ; Lindoso, Jose A. L. ; Gallo, Camila Barros ; Braz-Silva, Paulo H.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ORAL MICROBIOLOGY; v. 14, n. 1, p. 9-pg., 2022-12-31.

Abstract

Background COVID-19 is a disease affecting various human organs and systems, in which the virus seeks to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. These receptors are present in the oral cavity, but the direct relationship between such an interaction and possible oral manifestations of COVID-19 is still unclear. Aim The present study evaluated oral manifestations in a cohort of COVID-19 patients during the period of hospitalisation. Methods In total, 154 patients presenting moderate-to-severe forms of COVID-19 had their oral mucosa examined twice a week until the final outcome, either discharge or death. The oral alterations observed in the patients were grouped into Group 1 (pre-existing conditions and opportunistic oral lesions) and Group 2 (oral mucosal changes related to hospitalization). Results Oral lesions found in the patients of Group 1 are not suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection as they are mainly caused by opportunistic infections. On the other hand, oral alterations found in the patients of Group 2 were statistically (P < 0.001) related to intubation and longer period of hospitalisation. Conclusion It is unlikely that ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity are a direct manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 or a marker of COVID-19 progression. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/03004-3 - Surface receptors for SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry in oral cavity tissues and salivary glands: autopsies from COVID-19 cases
• Grantee: Italo Tomonari Kano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 21/07490-0 - Salivary biomarkers of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections
• Grantee: Paulo Henrique Braz da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants