New discoveries emerging from UC San Francisco illuminate the persistent presence of the COVID-19 virus in patients' blood and tissues long after the acute phase of the illness has passed, offering fresh insights into the enigmatic phenomenon of long COVID.
In a groundbreaking investigation spearheaded by Dr. Michael Peluso of the UCSF School of Medicine, scientists unearthed remnants of SARS-CoV-2, termed COVID antigens, lingering in the bloodstream for as long as 14 months post-infection, while also detecting their presence in tissue samples over two years following the onset of COVID.
Presented at the prestigious Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), these findings challenge the conventional notion of COVID-19 as a transient ailment, shedding light on the perplexing persistence of long COVID. What was once believed to be a fleeting condition now manifests as enduring symptoms, including cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vascular complications, lingering for extended periods, if not years.
By scrutinizing blood samples from 171 individuals previously afflicted with COVID, researchers utilized an ultra-sensitive assay targeting the COVID spike protein, pivotal in viral cell entry. The outcomes unveiled the lingering viral presence, particularly pronounced among hospitalized patients and those grappling with more severe manifestations of the disease, reinforcing the link between disease severity and antigen persistence.
Venturing deeper into tissue reservoirs, investigators tapped into UCSF's Long COVID Tissue Bank, where they unearthed remnants of viral RNA persisting for up to two years post-infection. Despite the absence of reinfection, the detection of viral fragments, notably within connective tissue housing immune cells, suggests sustained activation of the immune response. Intriguingly, select samples hinted at potential viral activity, adding layers of complexity to the long COVID puzzle.
While the ramifications of these persistent fragments on long COVID and associated risks such as cardiovascular events await comprehensive elucidation, Peluso's team spearheads multiple clinical trials exploring the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs in mitigating the impact of long COVID.
“This breakthrough underscores the intricate aftermath of COVID-19 and propels our endeavor to unravel its enduring repercussions,” remarked Peluso, emphasizing the imperative of sustained research efforts.
As the scientific community strives to decode the mysteries of long COVID, these findings signify a crucial stride towards unraveling the virus's lingering grasp and navigating a course towards recovery and resilience in the wake of this unparalleled global health crisis.
Source: University of California, San Francisco