Blood transcriptomics reveal persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA and candidate biomarkers in Long COVID patients
This article has been Reviewed by the following groups
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- Evaluated articles (Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases)
Abstract
With an estimated 65 million individuals suffering from Long COVID, validated therapeutic strategies as well as non-invasive biomarkers are direly needed to guide clinical management. We used blood digital transcriptomics in search of viral persistence and Long COVID diagnostic biomarkers in a real-world, general practice-based setting with a long clinical follow-up. We demonstrate systemic SARS-CoV-2 persistence for more than 2 years after acute COVID-19 infection. A 2-gene biomarker, including FYN and SARS-CoV-2 antisense RNA, correctly classifies Long COVID with 93.8% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity. Specific immune transcripts and immunometabolism score correlate to systemic viral load and patient-reported anxiety/depression, providing mechanistic links as well as therapeutic targets to tackle Long COVID.
Article activity feed
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Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu
Review 2: "Blood Transcriptomics Reveal Persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA and Candidate Biomarkers in Long COVID Patients"
Reviewers posed concerns regarding sample size, the statistical methods used, and some lack of important details in the written report.
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Slim Fourati
Review 1: "Blood Transcriptomics Reveal Persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA and Candidate Biomarkers in Long COVID Patients"
Reviewers posed concerns regarding sample size, the statistical methods used, and some lack of important details in the written report.
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Strength of evidence
Reviewers: S Fourati (Northwestern University) | 📒📒📒 ◻️◻️
I O Sirbu (University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara) | 📗📗📗📗◻️
S Brüningk (University of Zurich) | 📒📒📒 ◻️◻️ -
