New Research Reveals COVID-19 Virus Can Persist in Blood and Tissue for Over a Year, Offering Insight into Long COVID Symptoms

New Research Reveals COVID-19 Antigens Can Persist, Offering Insights Into Long COVID

Evidence of Long-Term Infection

New research from UC San Francisco has revealed that COVID-19 antigens, specifically pieces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can persist in the blood and tissue of infected individuals long after the acute phase of the illness has ended. This breakthrough provides potential clues as to why some individuals develop long COVID, experiencing persistent symptoms months or even years after the initial infection.

The scientists conducted two studies, led by infectious disease researcher Dr. Michael Peluso of the UCSF School of Medicine, involving 171 individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. The studies discovered that COVID antigens can remain in the blood for up to 14 months and in tissue samples for over two years, even in those individuals with normal immune responses.

Notably, the likelihood of detecting these COVID antigens was higher among individuals who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and those who experienced more severe symptoms. The persistence of COVID antigens in the blood and tissue suggests a potential link to long-term health effects.

Virus Persists for up to Two Years in Tissue

The research also indicated that SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, the genetic material of the virus, can be detected in tissue samples for up to two years after infection. This persistence of viral RNA in the connective tissue, where immune cells are concentrated, suggests that the viral fragments may be triggering immune responses and potentially contributing to long COVID symptoms. The virus was found to be active in some of the samples as well.

The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the role of these viral fragments in driving long COVID and the associated risks such as heart attacks and strokes. However, these breakthroughs have already spurred clinical trials led by Dr. Peluso’s team at UCSF, evaluating the potential benefits of monoclonal antibodies or antiviral drugs in removing the virus and improving the health of individuals with long COVID.

Conclusion

The evidence presented in these studies strongly supports the persistence of COVID antigens in the blood and tissue of infected individuals beyond the acute phase of the illness. Understanding the long-term consequences of this infection is crucial in providing effective medical interventions for those experiencing long COVID symptoms. Dr. Peluso’s team is committed to advancing this research and driving further progress in combating the lasting effects of COVID-19.

Source: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Funding: PolyBio Research Foundation, Merck Investigator Studies Program, National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases