Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Persistence and Its Relevance

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), continues to wreak havoc, threatening the public health services and imposing economic collapse worldwide. Tailoring public health responses to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic depends on understanding the mechanism of viral replication, disease pathogenesis, accurately identifying acute infections, and mapping the spreading risk of hotspots across the globe. However, effective identification and isolation of persons with asymptomatic and mild SARS-CoV-2 infections remain the major obstacles to efforts in controlling the SARS-CoV-2 spread and hence the pandemic. Understanding the mechanism of persistent viral shedding, reinfection, and the post-acute sequalae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is crucial in our efforts to combat the pandemic and provide better care and rehabilitation to survivors. Here, we present a living literature review (January 2020 through 15 March 2021) on SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence, reinfection, and PASC. We also highlight potential areas of research to uncover putative links between viral persistence, intra-host evolution, host immune status, and protective immunity to guide and direct future basic science and clinical research priorities.

The Good and Bad of Nrf2: An Update in Cancer and New Perspectives in COVID-19

“…The pandemic COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has dramatically affected human life and the world economy with more than 178 million confirmed cases and 3.8 million deaths (June 2021, WHO COVID-19 dashboard). At the same time, it has launched a challenge to researchers all over the world to identify the molecular features of viral infection and propagation in order to find the most appropriate therapy [100][101][102][103][104]. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is characterized by high infectivity and mutability, lethality and variant morbidity [105].…”

Clinical Manifestation of Subacute Thyroiditis Triggered by SARS-CoV-2 Infection Can Be HLA-Dependent

“…In Patient 4, the genetic susceptibility for SAT was proved, but the time lag between COVID-19 and SAT onset seemed to be too long to confirm the potential correlation between the diseases. However, as the SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to the so called post-acute sequalae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) [28], the correlation cannot be unequivocally excluded. PASC is a syndrome in COVID-19 survivors that presents with a variety of symptoms in different organs.…”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accessing HIV care: A case report

“…Several studies reported prolonged and recurrent detection of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) by the RT-PCR tests from symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. 9,12,13 Although most study reported that persistent viral RNA shading did not increase the risk of transmission but further research needed amongst people living with HIV. Immunosuppression also plays a major role in recurrent detection and prolonged viral shedding.…”