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Long COVID: current status in Japan and knowledge about its molecular background
Akihiro Matsunaga1, Shinya Tsuzuki2, Shinichiro Morioka3
1Department of Intractable Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Global Health & Medicine
|May 19, 2022
Summary
Long COVID, or prolonged post-COVID-19 symptoms, is prevalent in Japan, with fatigue and respiratory issues common. Persistent infection and neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 may underlie these lingering effects.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Long COVID involves prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 recovery.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, dyspnea, cough, anosmia/dysgeusia, and dyssomnia.
- Etiologies may involve direct organ damage, autoimmunity, inflammation, and psychiatric factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the status of long COVID in Japan.
- To summarize the molecular mechanisms behind long COVID symptoms.
- To discuss vaccination as a potential treatment for long COVID.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on long COVID prevalence and molecular background.
- Analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) neurotropism.
- Discussion of vaccination strategies for long COVID patients.
Main Results:
- Long COVID symptoms in Japan mirror those reported in Caucasian populations.
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and proteins are detectable in multiple organs, including the brain.
- Viral proteins may cause cellular toxicity, suggesting persistent infection as a key factor.
Conclusions:
- Persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and its neurotropic effects are potential drivers of long COVID.
- Understanding the molecular basis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Vaccination is being explored as a therapeutic option for long COVID.
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