Research projects

Association Between EBV Reactivation and Development of Long-COVID Fatigue

About

Status:

Completed

Principal investigator:

Eva Untersmayr-Elsenhuber

Country:

Austria

Study start:

Not available

Completion (planned):

Not available

Last update:

2023-12-01

Research types:

Basic research

Research areas:

Infections

Interventions:

Not applicable

Priv. Sector Partner:

Not available

Sponsors:

WE&ME Foundation

Links

Project website

Project description

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic constitutes a major health concern worldwide. As of September 2022, over 600 million cases were reported with over 6.47 million SARS-CoV-2-related fatalities (WHO Dashboard, September 2nd, 2022). Most ongoing studies and clinical trials focus on disease prevention and treatment of acute COVID-19. However, 1-10% of previously SARS-CoV-2 positive patients develop sequelae, termed Long-COVID. Independent of the severity of acute COVID-19, symptoms often include a debilitating fatigue, post-exertional malaise, neurocognitive disorders as well as immune dysfunctions. Long-COVID fatigue partially overlaps with ME/CFS. Also, it is suggested that Long-COVID fatigue might evolve into ME/CFS.

The investigators aim to translate their expertise in ME/CFS research in a Long-COVID pilot project to facilitate knowledge transfer. Their study focuses on the activity of Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV) in Long-COVID patients. The human herpes virus has been previously suggested to be involved in the onset of ME/CFS. Thus, the investigators hypothesise EBV reactivation to be associated with the onset of post-viral fatigue after SARS-Cov-2 infection. In their prospective study 30 Long-COVID patients and 20 convalescent COVID-19 patients were recruited. Plasma, stool and throat washing samples were collected at least 10 weeks after the COVID-19 acute phase.

Data curation and analysis is performed at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna. The population of ME/CFS patients will increase and will include young adults, who experienced an asymptomatic disease course and are not aware of their infection. Data generated in this project will support medical care of currently ME/CFS affected patients, while also provide disease prevention strategies for future post-viral fatigue patients.

(Description adapted from project website: see link above)

Patient cohort

Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) according to WHO with Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), persistent fatigue, autonomic dysfunction and/or orthostatic intolerance.

Patients enrolled: 50

Age group: 22 - 48 years (Adults)

Research areas

6

Research types

1

Research networks

0

Working groups

2

People

10

Publications

1

Organisations

1

Research areas

Viral infections

Minute infectious agents whose genomes are composed of DNA or RNA, but not both. They are characterised by a lack of independent metabolism and the inability to replicate outside living host cells. Descripton adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68014780.

Research projects:

14

Publications:

18

Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Description adapted from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68007239.

Research projects:

15

Publications:

20

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the type species of lymphocryptovirus, belonging to the subfamily of gammaherpesvirinae, infecting B-cells in humans. It is thought to be the causative agent of inectious mononucleosis (IM) and is strongly associated with oral hairy leukoplakia, burkitt lymphoma and other malignancies. IM is a common, acute infection usually caused by EBV. There is an increase in ...

Research projects:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

A species of betacoronavirus causing atypical respiratory disease (COVID-19) in humans. The organism was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. The natural host is the Chinese intermediate horseshoe bat, rhinolophus affinis. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2052180.

Research projects:

4

Publications:

4

Viruses belonging to the family of Herpesviridae, a family of enveloped, linear, double-stranded DNA viruses infecting a wide variety of animals. Subfamilies, based on biological characteristics, include: alphaherpesvirinae, betaherpesvirinae, gammaherpesvirinae. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68006566 &...

Research projects:

11

Publications:

14

Members of Coronaviridae which cause respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in a variety of vertebrates. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68017934.

Research projects:

3

Publications:

4