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Review
. 2022;9(4):209-218.
doi: 10.1007/s40472-022-00385-y. Epub 2022 Nov 12.

Immunocompromised Patients with Protracted COVID-19: a Review of "Long Persisters"

Veronica Dioverti  1 , Sonsoles Salto-Alejandre  1   2 , Ghady Haidar  3
Affiliations
Review

Immunocompromised Patients with Protracted COVID-19: a Review of "Long Persisters"

Veronica Dioverti et al. Curr Transplant Rep. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Certain immunocompromised individuals are at risk for protracted COVID-19, in which SARS-CoV-2 leads to a chronic viral infection. However, the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this phenomenon remain ill-defined.

Recent findings: Herein, we review key aspects of protracted SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised individuals, or the so-called long persisters, and describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of this condition, as well as intra-host viral evolution. Based on the available data, we also propose a framework of criteria with which to approach this syndrome.

Summary: Protracted COVID-19 is an uncharacterized syndrome affecting patients with B-cell depletion; our proposed diagnostic approach and definitions will inform much needed future research.

Keywords: COVID-19; Immunocompromised; Prolonged COVID-19; Prolonged shedding; SARS-CoV2.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestV.D. has no disclosures or COI. S.S-A. is recipient of Fulbright Grant and IMFAHE Foundation Excellence Fellowship Grant. V.D. is an investigator for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and AlloVir. G.H. is a recipient of research grants from Allovir, Karius, and AstraZeneca. G.H. also serves on the scientific advisory board of Karius.

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