RUDN University scientists have discovered a mechanism for the development of lymphocytopenia in patients with COVID-19 
RUDN University scientists have found out a possible mechanism of a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes in patients with COVID -19. This condition of immune cell deficiency is called lymphocytopenia and is responsible for the body's reduced defense against infection. This was reported in a press release published on the website Godnauki.rf.
Researchers assessed the viral load and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the lungs, lymph nodes and spleen in 36 patients who died from COVID-19 associated with lymphocytopenia. In 63.8 percent of the deceased, the number of lymphocytes was below the critical value.
In 33 percent, the virus was detected in the lungs, and the state of the cells indicated bronchopneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome in the stage of restoration of lung tissue while maintaining respiratory failure … In 58.4 percent of patients, the virus was also found in the lungs, lymph nodes and spleen. This corresponded to the phase of damage to the pulmonary capillaries and alveoli, gas exchange is disrupted.
Scientists have also shown that SARS-CoV-2 viruses can directly infect lymphocytes and may cause lymphocytopenia due to the destruction of immune cells. A similar process has been described for infections with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.