The Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad discussed the report of Higher Diploma student Yusr Waleed Khalid, titled:
“The Relationship Between SARS-CoV-2 and Liver Infection”, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Zainab Hikmat Aboud.

The report aimed to study the association between liver damage and the risks it faces during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The findings highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to global healthcare systems, leading to major setbacks in healthcare infrastructure worldwide.

The report further demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily targets the respiratory system, often resulting in severe disease known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be fatal for some individuals. Although the lungs are the primary organ affected by COVID-19, the clinical spectrum of the disease varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to respiratory failure.

Key Findings & Recommendations:

🔹 Liver Damage in COVID-19 Patients:

  • Due to dysregulated immune responses and various affected mechanisms, the liver may also suffer from hepatocellular injury and ischemic liver dysfunction.
  • The severity of liver damage is correlated with disease severity, making the liver one of the frequently affected organs in COVID-19 patients.

🔹 Potential Causes of Liver Damage:

  • Direct viral injury from SARS-CoV-2.
  • Secondary multifactorial effects, including:
    • Hepatotoxicity from COVID-19 treatments.
    • Cytokine storm syndrome.
    • Multiple organ dysfunction and sepsis, which can lead to multi-organ failure.

🔹 Recommendations:

  • Caution should be exercised when treating COVID-19 patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
  • Alternative treatment strategies should be explored, as currently available medications have limitations due to their toxicity and associated risks, particularly in the context of COVID-19.

This study highlights the need for further research to improve treatment approaches and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on liver health.

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