Breakthrough in Long COVID Research: Blood Markers Identified for Five Key Symptoms
In a groundbreaking development, researchers in the United Kingdom have discovered that five symptoms of long COVID can be detected through blood samples.
This condition potentially affects around 65 million people globally.
A study conducted on COVID-19 patients treated in hospitals across the UK revealed that those suffering from long COVID may exhibit an inflammatory pattern detectable in their blood. Published in the journal Nature Immunology, scientists from Imperial College London found that these blood samples mirror the symptoms experienced by individuals, aiding in the development of more effective treatments.
Long COVID is characterized by symptoms that persist even after recovery from the initial infection, with approximately one in ten infected individuals developing the condition. Considering the global scale of the coronavirus pandemic, this implicates a significant number of people. Peter Openshaw, the lead researcher, estimates the figure to be around 65 million individuals. Currently, both diagnosing and treating long COVID presents considerable challenges.
The Imperial College London team focused on patients who had been hospitalized with severe coronavirus infections at least six months prior. It is noted by _IFLScience_ that while long COVID can develop in any infected individual, those requiring hospital treatment are at greater risk.
The study involved 426 patients exhibiting long-term symptoms and 233 who had fully recovered. Blood plasma was collected from all participants to examine 368 distinct proteins known to play roles in immunity and inflammation.
Researchers identified a pattern of blood markers in long COVID sufferers, distinct from those who had recovered, which aligns with continuous immune system activity. This includes inflammation markers in the bone marrow's myeloid cells and effects on the so-called complement system, which activates upon infection or tissue damage.
According to Felicity Liew, the study's lead author, evidence was found of ongoing complement system activity, suggesting that COVID symptoms might result from inflammation.
The study linked blood marker patterns to specific symptoms, identifying five key areas of concern:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Anxiety and depression
- Circulatory issues
- Digestive system problems
This research opens the door to developing tests and treatments that could hasten recovery for those affected by long COVID, offering a ray of hope to millions worldwide.
A study conducted on COVID-19 patients treated in hospitals across the UK revealed that those suffering from long COVID may exhibit an inflammatory pattern detectable in their blood. Published in the journal Nature Immunology, scientists from Imperial College London found that these blood samples mirror the symptoms experienced by individuals, aiding in the development of more effective treatments.
Long COVID is characterized by symptoms that persist even after recovery from the initial infection, with approximately one in ten infected individuals developing the condition. Considering the global scale of the coronavirus pandemic, this implicates a significant number of people. Peter Openshaw, the lead researcher, estimates the figure to be around 65 million individuals. Currently, both diagnosing and treating long COVID presents considerable challenges.
The Imperial College London team focused on patients who had been hospitalized with severe coronavirus infections at least six months prior. It is noted by _IFLScience_ that while long COVID can develop in any infected individual, those requiring hospital treatment are at greater risk.
The study involved 426 patients exhibiting long-term symptoms and 233 who had fully recovered. Blood plasma was collected from all participants to examine 368 distinct proteins known to play roles in immunity and inflammation.
Researchers identified a pattern of blood markers in long COVID sufferers, distinct from those who had recovered, which aligns with continuous immune system activity. This includes inflammation markers in the bone marrow's myeloid cells and effects on the so-called complement system, which activates upon infection or tissue damage.
According to Felicity Liew, the study's lead author, evidence was found of ongoing complement system activity, suggesting that COVID symptoms might result from inflammation.
The study linked blood marker patterns to specific symptoms, identifying five key areas of concern:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Anxiety and depression
- Circulatory issues
- Digestive system problems
This research opens the door to developing tests and treatments that could hasten recovery for those affected by long COVID, offering a ray of hope to millions worldwide.
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