UC Davis

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has infected more than 650 million people worldwide. Approximately 23% of these patients developed lasting long-haul COVID symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and systemic hyperinflammation. However, the direct clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the skeletal system including bone and joint health has not been determined. Utilizing a humanized mouse model of COVID-19, this study provides the first direct evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to acute bone loss, increased osteoclast number, and thinner growth plates. This bone loss could decrease whole-bone mechanical strength and increase the risk of fragility fractures, particularly in older patients, while thinner growth plates may create growth disturbances in younger patients. Evaluating skeletal health in patients that have recovered from COVID-19 will be crucial to identify at-risk populations and develop effective countermeasures.