Zurich, Switzerland – Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding long COVID, a condition characterized by extended symptoms from the virus, by identifying a change in blood proteins in affected individuals. The study, published in the journal Science, found that patients with long COVID had proteins indicating that part of their immune systems remained active even after the infection had ended.
Experts believe that this discovery could lead to the development of diagnostic tests and treatments for long COVID, which is known to cause persistent fatigue, brain fog, chest pain, stomach issues, and a range of other symptoms. The study focused on 113 COVID patients, 40 of whom developed long COVID symptoms after six months. Blood samples from these patients revealed a group of proteins indicating that their complement system, a part of the immune system, remained on high alert long after the virus had left their bodies.
Dr. Onur Boyman, a professor of immunology at the University of Zurich and one of the study’s authors, explains that as the complement system continues to be active without the presence of the virus, it can start damaging healthy cells. This tissue damage and the formation of microclots in the blood can lead to a reduction in oxygen and nutrient delivery to various organs, resulting in the long COVID symptoms experienced by patients.
The implications of this discovery are significant, as understanding the mechanisms of long COVID is key to developing effective treatments. According to Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, chair of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center, this study represents a huge advance in our knowledge of the virus and brings us closer to finding solutions for long COVID.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey shows that around 14% of adults have reported experiencing long COVID. The development of diagnostic tests and targeted treatments based on the identification of specific blood proteins could greatly improve the quality of life for millions of individuals suffering from this condition.
Further research and clinical trials will be necessary to establish the effectiveness of these potential diagnostic tests and treatments. The findings of this study offer hope for long COVID patients who have been struggling with persistent symptoms and have yet to find relief.