Doctors are still having difficulty distinguishing between lingering Long COVID after the infection has passed, and a psychosomatic illness. The latter would be a result of internal conflict and stress, whereas a number of biological factors could be driving Long COVID symptoms. The presence of rogue antibodies in the blood of these patients could help doctors distinguish between the two.
A Long COVID Test Could Be Ready within Six Months
Nature web journal shared the first clues on January 19, 2021. That was when they reported ‘self-attacking antibodies’ could explain some of the worst cases of COVID-19. The Free Press Journal followed up on July 13, 2021 with breaking news. British scientists had applied this thought to lingering Long COVID symptoms too.
A team at Imperial College, London studied patients with Long COVID symptoms, such as fatigue, memory loss and brain fog. Their report is not yet available on the internet. However, Dr. Elaine Maxwell, from National Institute of Health Research describes the discovery of rogue antibodies in the blood as ‘exciting news’.
Rogue Antibodies in the Blood in the Context of COVID
Scientists already knew the worst symptoms of COVID can follow an overactive immune response. But they have now also discovered rogue antibodies can attack elements of the immune system itself. Following on that, Imperial College scientists found some Long COVID patients also had these rogue antibodies circulating in their blood.
This pilot study compared the blood of people with the lingering Long COVID condition. They discovered a pattern of auto antibodies in dozens of them. But they did not find these features in people who recovered quickly from the COVID infection. Or indeed had not had COVID-19 at all.
They don’t fully understand the biological connection yet. However, their discovery is too intriguing to wait for the science to catch up. They hope their work paves the way for a test for Long COVID soon. And yes, that is exciting news.
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Preview Image: Fog of Long COVID
