SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been found hiding in blood of long COVID patients. Can this explain the persistent infection?
Oct 24, 2024, 12:49 IST
A recent study suggests that lingering SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the blood of long COVID sufferers could be a key factor in their ongoing symptoms. This discovery offers new insights into the complex nature of long COVID and potentially points towards new treatment strategies.
Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital analysed blood samples from 706 individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. They found that those experiencing a wide range of long COVID symptoms were twice as likely to have traces of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood compared to those without symptoms.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection, focused on individuals with long COVID symptoms affecting three major body systems: cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neurologic. A staggering 43% of these patients tested positive for viral proteins within 1 to 14 months of their initial COVID infection.
These findings suggest that a persistent viral infection may be contributing to long COVID symptoms in some patients. If this is the case, antiviral treatments could potentially alleviate their suffering. The study’s lead author, Zoe Swank, emphasised the importance of identifying patients who may benefit from such interventions.
However, the researchers also noted that persistent viral proteins were not detected in all long COVID patients. This suggests that other factors, such as immune system dysfunction, may also play a role in the development of long COVID symptoms.
To better understand the mechanisms underlying long COVID, researchers are conducting further studies to analyse blood samples and symptom data from larger groups of patients. These efforts aim to identify specific factors that may predispose individuals to persistent viral infections and long COVID symptoms.
The discovery of a potential viral reservoir in long COVID patients offers hope for the development of targeted treatments. By addressing the underlying cause of symptoms, antiviral medications could provide relief for many individuals suffering from this debilitating condition. As research continues, a clearer picture of long COVID and its potential treatments is emerging, offering hope for a future where this persistent illness can be effectively managed.
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Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital analysed blood samples from 706 individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. They found that those experiencing a wide range of long COVID symptoms were twice as likely to have traces of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood compared to those without symptoms.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection, focused on individuals with long COVID symptoms affecting three major body systems: cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neurologic. A staggering 43% of these patients tested positive for viral proteins within 1 to 14 months of their initial COVID infection.
These findings suggest that a persistent viral infection may be contributing to long COVID symptoms in some patients. If this is the case, antiviral treatments could potentially alleviate their suffering. The study’s lead author, Zoe Swank, emphasised the importance of identifying patients who may benefit from such interventions.
However, the researchers also noted that persistent viral proteins were not detected in all long COVID patients. This suggests that other factors, such as immune system dysfunction, may also play a role in the development of long COVID symptoms.
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The discovery of a potential viral reservoir in long COVID patients offers hope for the development of targeted treatments. By addressing the underlying cause of symptoms, antiviral medications could provide relief for many individuals suffering from this debilitating condition. As research continues, a clearer picture of long COVID and its potential treatments is emerging, offering hope for a future where this persistent illness can be effectively managed.