Evidence of viral persistence found in Children infected with SARS Co-2

An Overview

In a recent review published on the 26th of June 2023 in The Lancet Microbe, Danilo Buonsenso and colleagues examined previous research studies that show evidence for viral persistence in children. Whilst the cause of Long Covid disease is not currently known, it is suspected that persistent virus or viral protein may continually trigger activation of the immune system, causing chronic disease.

Several studies have shown that the virus and viral proteins can persist for weeks to months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults; however, there have been far fewer studies looking at viral persistence in children. By compiling the evidence, Buonsenso suggests that viral persistence may also occur in children, providing a possible mechanism for Long Covid in both adults and children.

We don’t yet know how long the virus can persist and if this persistent virus is in fact the cause of Long Covid disease, though we are getting closer to being able to answer these questions, which may eventually enable ways to diagnose and possibly treat Long Covid, though more work needs to be done before we reach that point.

The Study Authors Conclusion

'Evidence exists for the possible spread of SARS-CoV-2 spread into different organs and persistence for weeks to months after initial infection, even in children independently from severity of the acute disease. Viral RNA has been documented in children who have died from critical acute disease, but also in paediatric patients diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome weeks to months after previous asymptomatic or mild infection with SARS-CoV-2. Whether these events can also occur with new variants of SARS-CoV-2 or in previously vaccinated children is still unknown. Although the biological significance of the possibility for viral spread and persistence in children is unknown, the substantial evidence for it should not be neglected and should inform future clinical, biological, and pharmacological studies.'

Viral persistence in children infected with SARS-CoV-2: current evidence and future research strategies

If you would like to follow Danilo Buonsenso check out his his blog - Buonsenso&thekids

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