Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 Persistence in Body Reservoirs and Post-Viral Effects in Convalescent COVID-19 Cases

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how long the COVID-19 virus remains in the body after recovery and how the immune system develops antibodies to fight it. This observational prospective cohort study enrolls 325 participants, including those with confirmed or likely COVID-19 and a group of negative controls who have never tested positive or been vaccinated. The goal is to understand viral persistence in different body sites and post-infectious complications to help improve care during the recovery phase of COVID-19. Participants will provide samples such as blood, nose swabs, saliva, stool, semen, and breast milk for testing. They will complete surveys about their illness and other health factors at enrollment and up to 12 times over a 24-month period. The study includes participants aged 7 and older, with adults 18 and over eligible to give semen and breast milk samples. Negative controls will help compare findings to those without prior infection. During the study, participants will be followed for up to 96 weeks, with visits to collect specimens and complete surveys about symptoms and health changes. Researchers will measure how long the virus persists in various body fluids and tissues, immune responses, symptom duration, and post-viral health effects. The information gathered will support better recommendations for medical and public health providers caring for patients recovering from COVID-19.

Determinants of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-COV2 (COVID-19) Persistence After Convalescence