IDCases (Jan 2024)

Circulating microaggregates as biomarkers for the Post‐COVID syndrome

  • M. Hermann,
  • C. Lisch,
  • R. Gerth,
  • G. Wick,
  • D. Fries,
  • N. Wick

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 36
p. e02000

Abstract

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CoVID-19 can develop into Post-COVID syndrome of potentially high morbidity, with procoagulation and reactivation of dormant viral infections being hypothesized pathophysiological mechanisms. We report on a patient suffering from fatigue, post exertional malaise, pain and neurological symptoms as a consequence of the second CoVID infection. Using live confocal microscopy on native whole blood samples we detected microaggregates of thrombocytes, leukocytes and plasma proteins in peripheral blood. In addition, there was specific cellular immunological reactivity to EBV. Upon anticoagulatory and virustatic pharmacological therapy we observed dissolution of microaggregates and significant stable clinical remission. We suggest to consider circulating microaggregates as a morphological indicator of chronic post-COVID syndrome.

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