Emerging evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19, can remain in the body for months, potentially fueling long COVID symptoms.
In a commentary published by The Medical Journal of Australia this week, Burnet researchers explained long COVID may be caused by “long infection”, where lingering traces of the virus continue to pose health issues.
Theme leader of Antiviral Immunity, Dr Gabriela Khoury, said studies have found traces of SARS-CoV-2 — viral RNA and protein — in tissue, like the blood and the gut, many months after initial infection in people who experience symptoms of Long COVID.
“How the virus causes long COVID remains unknown,” she said.
“Studies have shown dysfunction of the immune system, elevated inflammation, blood clots, defects in the energy producers of the cell and nervous system problems in people who have long COVID.”
She added that the major question is whether these changes occur at the time of infection or persist because the virus lingers in the body.
“We are also unsure if this affects everyone with long COVID or only some people,” Dr Khoury said.
“If the virus were active in the tissue, then antiviral drugs could potentially treat long COVID symptoms or possibly even provide a cure.”
Long COVID affects many around the world and has been linked to serious health, social and economic issues.
Recent studies have linked long COVID to a drop in IQ, likely caused by sustained inflammation that disrupts brain function, as well as muscle damage.
Vaccines can reduce the risk of long COVID likely due to reducing the viral burden at time of infection, but research also suggests the immune system could play a role in treating Long COVID.
Senior research fellow and paediatrician, Dr Michelle Scoullar, said the potential for solutions increases as we continue to grow our understanding of long COVID.
“Recognising ‘long infection’ can help demystify the experiences of those living with long COVID to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies,” she said.
Strengthening prevention measures, such as improving indoor air quality, is essential to reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and lowering the risk of long COVID.
“Expanding vaccine access, particularly for younger people and those with mild infections, could have a significant impact,” Dr Scoullar said.
“By prioritising prevention, advancing treatments, and improving access to vaccines, we can take significant steps toward addressing the global challenge of long COVID.”
Read: 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 in the Medical Journal of Australia.