Anti-VGLUT2 autoantibodies associated with post-COVID neurocognitive dysfunction: a case report

TL;DR

A man with long COVID showed cognitive issues linked to anti-VGLUT2 antibodies, suggesting a possible new mechanism for post-COVID brain dysfunction.

Contribution

First reported case linking VGLUT2 autoantibodies to post-COVID neurocognitive dysfunction.

Findings

Patient exhibited cognitive and motor fatigue with anti-VGLUT2 autoantibodies detected in serum.

Neuropsychological tests showed significant deficits in attention and processing speed.

IVIG therapy provided subjective but not objective improvement in symptoms.

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is frequently associated with fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, while underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We report a 44-year-old male with persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including severe cognitive and motor fatigue, word-finding difficulties, and impaired concentration. Neuropsychological testing revealed marked deficits in alertness, attention, fluency, and processing speed. Serum analysis demonstrated anti-VGLUT2 autoantibodies. IVIG therapy yielded subjective but no objective improvement. This appears to be the first PCS case associated with VGLUT2 autoantibodies and raises the hypothesis of a potential pathophysiological link that requires confirmation in larger cohorts.

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