Approximately 5 to 10% of people infected with the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) experience “long COVID,” where symptoms last for three months or more. Regarding Long COVIDPossibility of mitochondrial dysfunctionorAbnormal activation of T cells in tissues throughout the bodyIt has become clear that it is caused by a new virus that remains in the body.
Towards a cure for long COVID: the strengthening case for persistently replicating SARS‐CoV‐2 as a driver of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 | The Medical Journal of Australia
https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/221/11/towards-cure-long-covid-strengthening-case-persistently-replicating-sars-cov-2
Long COVID appears to be driven by ‘long infection’. Here’s what the science says
https://theconversation.com/long-covid-appears-to-be-driven-by-long-infection-heres-what-the-science-says-244635
From the relatively early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), or at least remnants of SARS-CoV-2, may remain in various tissues and organs for long periods of time in some people’s bodies. butclearlyIt was. This phenomenon is known as “persistent infection.”
It is already well established that virus debris remains in some people’s bodies for long periods of time, but it is unclear whether not only this virus debris but also live virus remains in the body. The mystery of whether this is the cause of Long COVID if it remains remains unclear until now.
The virus research team at the Barnett Institute in Australia points out that if we can solve the mystery of persistent infection, the following two points may become clear.
1:When persistent infection occurs in critically immunocompromised patients,JN.1It is thought that this is the cause of the occurrence of mutants that differ greatly in appearance.
2:Even after the acute illness has passed, it can continue to cause symptoms in many people in the wider population. In other words, long-term infection can cause Long COVID.
“While there is no single study to date that shows persistent infection is the cause of Long COVID, the latest papers taken together make a compelling case,” says the Barnett Institute study. The team insists.
Published in Nature in February 2024paperAccording to research, many patients with mild COVID-19 have been shedding viral RNA, the genetic material of the virus, through their respiratory tract for a long time. Patients who continued to excrete viral RNA were almost certain to have live virus remaining in their bodies, and were at high risk of prolonging COVID-19.
Furthermore, anotherpaperreported that replicating viral RNA and proteins were detected in the blood of patients years after they were first infected with COVID-19. This is a paper showing that the virus is likely replicating for long periods of time in the body, possibly within blood cells.
another studyfound viral RNA in 10 different tissue sites and blood samples 1 to 4 months after acute infection. Additionally, it has been found that people who are persistently positive for viral RNA are at higher risk of having Long COVID. This research also provided clues as to where the virus persists in the body, and the gastrointestinal tract is considered to be one of the most interesting sites where the virus may remain latent for a long period of time.
In addition, in November 2024, a joint research project aimed at addressing the effects of Long COVIDRECOVER”, further evidence that persistent infection increases the likelihood of long COVID was published. Although there is still no evidence that a replicating virus can survive in the body for years, this does not mean that it is technically possible to isolate live viruses from the body’s reservoirs where they hide. “Because it’s difficult.”
Based on these research papers, the research team at the Barnett Institute said, “Even if there is no viable virus remaining in the body, the theory that persistent infection is a contributing factor to long COVID is sufficiently convincing.” I claim that there is.”
In response, the research team points to expediting testing of known antiviral drugs to prevent and treat Long COVID. This includes the diabetes drug metformin. actual,Antiviral drug showed surprising efficacy against Long COVIDAntiviral drugs are also expected to be a potential therapy in the treatment of fatigue-related disorders.
The research team argues that another major driving force will be the establishment of a clinical trial platform for the development of new drugs and rapid testing. However, converting this into a form that can be used clinically is extremely difficult, and the research team said, “Support and investment from the government will be required.”
The theory that persistent infection is a contributing or promoting factor in Long COVID may help demystify Long COVID and increase awareness among medical professionals. The research team also claims that it will help raise community awareness about the importance of reducing reinfection rates for COVID-19. In fact, it has become clear that the risk of developing Long COVID increases the more times a person has been infected with SARS-CoV-2.
The more times you are infected with the new coronavirus, the higher the risk of long COVID – GIGAZINE
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