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Researchers link Long COVID to another virus
nhk.or.jp • • health
Key Points:
- Japanese researchers found that long COVID-19 symptoms such as fatigue occur when a coronavirus infection activates a dormant herpes virus in the body.
- Analysis of blood samples from over 150 patients revealed a protein called "SITH-1" in about 70% of those with prolonged symptoms, indicating herpes virus activation.
- Experiments increasing SITH-1 levels in mice caused decreased brain function and symptoms like fatigue and depression, linking the protein to long COVID effects.
- The study suggests that targeting the activation of the herpes virus and SITH-1 protein could lead to new therapies for long COVID symptoms.
- Oka Naomi from Jikei University highlighted the potential for treatments that address the root cause of long COVID based on these findings.
