La Trobe University Leads Research into Post-Viral Illnesses, Starting with Long COVID
A collaborative research team led by Distinguished Professor Stephanie gras, Deputy Director of the Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) at La Trobe University, is investigating the underlying mechanisms of post-viral diseases with the aim of developing new therapeutic treatments. The research will initially focus on Long COVID, but findings are expected to be applicable to conditions like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) adn Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The project is driven by the notable impact of post-viral illnesses in Australia: an estimated one in ten Australians who contracted COVID-19 now experience Long COVID, and approximately 250,000 Australians live with ME/CFS.Professor Gras believes that Long COVID presents a unique prospect for research due to the detailed data available – including infection dates, symptom timelines, vaccination status, and treatment histories – meticulously recorded by those affected.
A key component of the research is the direct involvement of individuals with lived experience of Long COVID, ME/CFS, and MS, ensuring the study considers the nuances of each condition and potential shared characteristics. Professor Gras highlighted the potential for transferable knowledge, stating, “As the symptoms are similar between multiple post-viral infection diseases, ther’s a good chance that some mechanisms are also shared. What we learn with Long COVID should be transferable to other diseases.”
The research aims to identify biomarkers for these diseases and test potential treatments, ultimately seeking to improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing debilitating symptoms ranging from persistent coughs to severe mobility limitations.La Trobe’s deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and innovation, Professor Chris Pakes, praised the work as a prime example of the university’s commitment to cutting-edge medical research. He stated the Center of Research Excellence (CRE) has the potential to ”improve health outcomes across the globe.”
The CRE is a partnership between La Trobe University, University of Queensland, Monash University, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Murdoch University, Griffith University and Deakin University, and is supported by the NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence scheme.
Professor Gras is also the Convenor of the Long COVID 2025 conference, a virtual event taking place on September 12th. Further details can be found at http://www.longcovid2025.com.
Media Enquiries: media@latrobe.edu.au
