Researchers in Japan have released findings showing that COVID-19 after effects, including fatigue, occur when a coronavirus infection activates another virus already inside the body.
According to the World Health Organization, roughly six percent of COVID-19 patients have suffered from prolonged symptoms like fatigue, depression and hair loss. The exact mechanisms behind these symptoms remain unclear.
The group, including researchers from the Jikei University School of Medicine, analyzed blood samples from more than 150 patients seeking treatment for their symptoms.
The researchers discovered a protein called “SITH-1” in the blood of about 70 percent of the patients. This protein emerges when a dormant herpes virus in the body is activated.
When the researchers increased SITH-1 levels in mice, the subjects exhibited decreased brain function due to neurotransmitter deficiencies, developing symptoms like fatigue and depression.
They concluded that long COVID-19 symptoms emerge when a coronavirus infection activates a dormant herpes virus, which leads to the creation of SITH-1 protein in the body.
Oka Naomi, a lecturer at the university, said these findings open the possibility of developing a therapy that would directly address the cause.