An agent-based model to examine neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is known to primarily cause mild to severe respiratory infections as well as chemosensory disturbances such as anosmia. Furthermore, it has been associated with the occurrence of neurological symptoms. In this study probable route of neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 from the olfactory epithelium to the central nervous system was suggested and an agent-based model has been developed using NetLogo 3D. A series of simulations were performed to analyze real-world infection patterns; based on these simulations, it was observed that there is a direct correlation between the age of the patient and the day of neuroinvasion onset.