The aftermath of a pandemic: Defining the pathology of long COVID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Elucidation of long COVID disease mechanisms in lung biopsy tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and blood using immunology, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, single-nucleus transcriptomics, and molecular virology: a single recruiting centre, descriptive case-control study
IRAS ID
319799
Contact name
David A Price
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Long COVID describes a broad range of medical problems that develop and persist after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms are diverse and commonly include fatigue, breathlessness, cognitive impairment (“brain fog”), chest pain, and disturbances in smell and taste. It is estimated that more than a million people suffer with long COVID in the UK. Despite the prevalence of this condition, it is unclear how the initial viral infection causes long COVID. We will use novel approaches to examine lung tissue obtained from patients undergoing routine medical procedures and patients with long COVID. The data we obtain will tell us whether: (i) the virus continues to infect lung tissue; (ii) the initial infection causes permanent damage to lung tissue; and/or (iii) the antiviral immune response is impaired in lung tissue. Answers to these questions will help clarify the root cause(s) of long COVID and guide potential therapeuties. \n \n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0007
Date of REC Opinion
23 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion