According to the University of California - San Francisco, COVID-19 virus can persist in the body for over a year post-infection.
In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers from the University of California - San Francisco have discovered that the COVID-19 virus can persist in the body for more than a year after the acute phase of the infection has passed. This finding sheds light on the potential reasons behind the development of long COVID, a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms long after their initial infection.
The study conducted by Dr. Michael Peluso and his team revealed that remnants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as COVID antigens, were still present in the blood of some patients up to 14 months post-infection. Furthermore, these antigens were found to linger in tissue samples for more than two years in individuals who had previously contracted COVID-19.
These findings, presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, challenge the initial assumption that COVID-19 was a transient illness. Instead, the research points towards a growing number of patients experiencing prolonged symptoms such as brain fog, digestive issues, and vascular problems even after recovering from the acute phase of the infection.
The study analyzed blood samples from 171 individuals who had been infected with COVID-19, utilizing an ultra-sensitive test for the COVID "spike" protein. The results revealed that the virus persisted in some individuals for an extended period, with a higher likelihood of detection in those who were hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to those who were not. Additionally, the presence of COVID antigens was more common in individuals who reported more severe symptoms, suggesting a correlation between illness severity and viral persistence.
To investigate the virus's presence in tissue reservoirs, the researchers examined samples from UCSF's Long COVID Tissue Bank. They detected viral RNA fragments up to two years after infection, particularly in connective tissue where immune cells are concentrated. This discovery implies that these viral remnants may trigger prolonged immune responses, potentially leading to conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
While further research is needed to understand the role of these viral fragments in driving long COVID, Dr. Peluso's team is actively involved in clinical trials testing monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs to eliminate the virus and alleviate symptoms in individuals with long COVID.
This research, supported by the PolyBio Research Foundation and the National Institute of Health, represents a significant step towards unraveling the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection. By delving into the persistence of the virus in the body, scientists aim to develop targeted therapies to address the lingering effects of the virus and enhance the health outcomes of individuals grappling with long COVID.
The University of California - San Francisco, renowned for its focus on health sciences, continues to spearhead innovative biomedical research, advance graduate-level education in life sciences, and provide exceptional patient care. Through collaborations and clinical initiatives, UCSF strives to enhance global health outcomes and foster excellence in medical research and education.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036945
The study conducted by Dr. Michael Peluso and his team revealed that remnants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as COVID antigens, were still present in the blood of some patients up to 14 months post-infection. Furthermore, these antigens were found to linger in tissue samples for more than two years in individuals who had previously contracted COVID-19.
These findings, presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, challenge the initial assumption that COVID-19 was a transient illness. Instead, the research points towards a growing number of patients experiencing prolonged symptoms such as brain fog, digestive issues, and vascular problems even after recovering from the acute phase of the infection.
The study analyzed blood samples from 171 individuals who had been infected with COVID-19, utilizing an ultra-sensitive test for the COVID "spike" protein. The results revealed that the virus persisted in some individuals for an extended period, with a higher likelihood of detection in those who were hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to those who were not. Additionally, the presence of COVID antigens was more common in individuals who reported more severe symptoms, suggesting a correlation between illness severity and viral persistence.
To investigate the virus's presence in tissue reservoirs, the researchers examined samples from UCSF's Long COVID Tissue Bank. They detected viral RNA fragments up to two years after infection, particularly in connective tissue where immune cells are concentrated. This discovery implies that these viral remnants may trigger prolonged immune responses, potentially leading to conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
While further research is needed to understand the role of these viral fragments in driving long COVID, Dr. Peluso's team is actively involved in clinical trials testing monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs to eliminate the virus and alleviate symptoms in individuals with long COVID.
This research, supported by the PolyBio Research Foundation and the National Institute of Health, represents a significant step towards unraveling the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection. By delving into the persistence of the virus in the body, scientists aim to develop targeted therapies to address the lingering effects of the virus and enhance the health outcomes of individuals grappling with long COVID.
The University of California - San Francisco, renowned for its focus on health sciences, continues to spearhead innovative biomedical research, advance graduate-level education in life sciences, and provide exceptional patient care. Through collaborations and clinical initiatives, UCSF strives to enhance global health outcomes and foster excellence in medical research and education.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036945
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