A new study has found that Severe COVID dormant viruses may become active again during serious coronavirus infections, potentially contributing to increased inflammation and worse health outcomes. Researchers discovered that several viruses normally kept inactive by the immune system showed renewed activity in many hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
The research, published in the journal Nature, analyzed more than 1,150 adults who were hospitalized with COVID-19 across multiple hospitals in the United States. The study participants were unvaccinated and were infected before newer coronavirus variants became widespread. Scientists examined blood samples, nasal swabs, and lung samples from patients during hospitalization and after recovery.
Researchers detected signs of at least one reactivated virus in nearly 48 percent of patients included in the analysis. The viruses identified included members of the herpesvirus family, such as Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus, along with anelloviruses. These viruses often enter the body early in life and remain inactive under immune control.
The study found that different viruses became active at different stages of illness. Epstein-Barr virus activity was commonly detected shortly after hospital admission, while cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus appeared more frequently later during hospitalization. Scientists linked these viral activities with greater disease severity and higher levels of inflammation.
Researchers also observed changes in immune responses among patients with Severe COVID dormant viruses reactivation. However, they emphasized that the study does not prove that these reactivated viruses directly caused severe COVID-19 or long COVID symptoms. More research is needed to understand whether viral activity is a cause or a result of serious infection.
The findings also raised questions about a possible connection between viral reactivation and long COVID. Scientists found that anellovirus activity after hospitalization was associated with symptoms such as fatigue and reduced physical ability reported by some patients. This link remained even after considering factors like age and disease severity.
Experts said the findings could help develop future methods for identifying patients at higher risk of severe COVID-19 complications. Researchers believe monitoring dormant virus activity may provide new treatment opportunities, although clinical studies are needed to determine whether controlling reactivated viruses can improve patient recovery.
