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Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
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Long COVID: current research and future directions

Rongling Zhang1,2, Xiaoying Gu3, Hui Zhang1

  • 1National Center for Respiratory Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China.

Infectious Diseases & Immunity
|June 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) affects multiple organ systems with symptoms like fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Research is ongoing into its complex mechanisms and treatments to improve patient quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • * Medical Research
  • * Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • * Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is defined as new or persistent symptoms lasting over two months, three months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • * Manifestations affect multiple organ systems, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems.
  • * Common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, dyspnea, and chest pain, with significant individual variability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To summarize the definition, phenotypes, and mechanisms of long COVID.
  • * To review current treatment advancements for long COVID.
  • * To highlight future research directions for long COVID.

Main Methods:

  • * Comprehensive literature review.
  • * Synthesis of current research on long COVID definition, clinical features, and underlying mechanisms.
  • * Analysis of existing treatment strategies and future research needs.

Main Results:

  • * Long COVID presents with diverse clinical manifestations and symptoms.
  • * Underlying mechanisms are complex, involving viral persistence, immune dysfunction, mitochondrial issues, endothelial impairment, and microbiome alterations.
  • * The condition significantly impacts quality of life, healthcare systems, and the economy.

Conclusions:

  • * Long COVID is a multifaceted condition requiring further investigation.
  • * Understanding the complex mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • * Future research should focus on targeted therapies and long-term management strategies.

Keywords:
COVID-19Long COVIDLong term healthMechanismSARS-CoV-2

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