New Study Indicates SARS-CoV-2 May Infect Kidney Cells and Cause Renal Failure

Study in a Sentence: A study of patient samples from Wuhan, China, shows that SARS-CoV-2 directly infects kidney tubules and induces kidney failure in a large proportion of COVID-19 patients.

Healthy for Humans: Research beyond the respiratory system is critical to our evolving understanding of COVID-19 effects in patients. 

Redefining Research: In addition to known respiratory issues tied to the virus, this study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infects kidney cells leading to acute kidney failure. While this study is not yet peer reviewed, it sheds new light on possible effects of the virus that may inform patient care, particularly in patients demonstrating kidney problems.