Abstract
Background: Infections can be/are a global factor of mutational damage, causing undesirable changes in heredity both in the present and in future generations. All this makes the problem of infectious mutagenesis extremely urgent and requires timely assessment of the mutagenic effect and therapeutic and preventive assistance to the population in highly pathogenic viral infections. Aim: the study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on the genetic apparatus of buccal epithelial cells in people who had undergone coronavirus infection of varying severity. Methods: The genetic status of people 2-3 months after infection with COVID-19 was studied by karyological and micronucleus analysis in buccal epithelial cells of the oral cavity. Results and Discussion: Reliable increase of karyological indices (cytogenetic disorders (micronuclei), proliferation indices, nucleus destruction indices) in the buccal epithelium of the oral cavity was detected. The studied abnormalities were detected in all patients who underwent the disease regardless of disease severity and contacts. In patients with the severe form of COVID-19, a significant increase in cytogenetic abnormalities was noted in comparison with the data of the control group and the indices of patients with moderate and mild forms of the disease. Conclusions: contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, regardless of the presence of clinical manifestations, causes karyological abnormalities in the buccal epithelium of the oral cavity. This indicates its significant mutagenic potential.