Post Pandemic Problem, is there an animal model suitable to investigate PASC.

Area of Science:

• * Veterinary Medicine
• * Medical Imaging
• * Infectious Diseases

Background:

• * Long COVID (post-acute sequelae of COVID-19) presents complex pathophysiology.
• * Animal models are crucial for studying long COVID, but no single model fully replicates human PASC.
• * Imaging is vital for investigating long COVID in animal models, as human diagnostic tools like questionnaires are inapplicable.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review and summarize existing animal models for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).
• * To assess and summarize imaging modalities utilized in PASC research.
• * To guide researchers in selecting optimal animal models and imaging techniques for PASC studies.

Main Methods:

• * Comprehensive literature review of 1979 manuscripts, identifying 81 studies on PASC animal models.
• * Secondary literature search of 797 manuscripts, extracting data from 26 studies on imaging findings.
• * Synthesis of findings to provide an overview of current research landscape.

Main Results:

• * Heterogeneity exists in both human SARS-CoV-2 sequelae and experimental animal models of PASC.
• * Various animal models are suitable for specific research questions, but none are universally comprehensive.
• * Imaging techniques offer critical insights into PASC pathophysiology in controlled animal studies.

Conclusions:

• * A variety of animal models and imaging techniques are available for long COVID research.
• * Selecting the appropriate model and imaging modality is essential for effective PASC investigation.
• * This review provides guidance for researchers to optimize their long COVID studies.