Recent research has shed light on a potential hidden reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 that might contribute to its persistence and reoccurrence.
Studies exploring extracellular vesicles (EVs) - microscopic particles released by cells - have uncovered an important piece of information: SARS-CoV-2 RNA was present in EVs in individuals who tested negative via standard RT-PCR methods.
Even in individuals deemed virus-free by conventional tests, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA within EVs may indicate a potential source for recurrent infections. Moreover, these infected EVs have demonstrated the ability to transmit the virus to previously unaffected cells in laboratory settings, pointing to a previously unrecognized route of transmission.
The study, by researchers at Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi, was published in the KeAi journal Liver Research.
False negatives
The finding holds promise in addressing the challenges faced in COVID-19 diagnosis and management. Current diagnostic tools, while valuable, have limitations, including occasional false negatives due to factors such as sample collection technique and viral load. Detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA within EVs might offer a more sensitive and rapid diagnostic approach, potentially aiding in identifying individuals with persistent or recurrent infections.
Furthermore, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in EVs, not only in respiratory samples but also in plasma, enables more opportunities to understand the virus behavior beyond the respiratory tract. These insights into the underlying mechanisms of viral persistence and recurrence offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
“The identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in EVs underscores the need to explore alternative diagnostic methods that leverage this discovery, potentially revolutionizing our ability to detect and manage COVID-19 infections more effectively”, says Sukriti Baweja, lead author of the study.
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