The BRICS TimesPeople still struggle with the aftermath of Covid. Scientists have found something new regarding this. Here is what researchers discovered recently.
Today, the world hasn’t fully recovered from the Covid pandemic yet. A major revelation has surfaced now regarding this issue. Scientists found small clots in Long Covid patients’ blood. They also noted immune system changes causing lasting issues. This could open doors for future treatments soon. Most people recover from Covid after days of cold. Sore throat, cough, or fever usually go away. But many patients suffer fatigue and brain fog. Body pain and breathlessness also trouble them long-term. This condition is widely known as Long Covid. Reasons behind these symptoms were unclear until now. Let us tell you what scientists found recently.
What Did the Research Find?
Scientists identified two key changes in Long Covid patients. These are microclots in blood and neutrophil changes. Microclots are abnormal clumps of circulating clotting proteins. They were first seen in Covid patient samples. Research also found changes in white blood cells. Neutrophils undergo a specific transformation in these patients. This change makes them eject DNA to form threads. These are called Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). They help to find and destroy infections effectively.
What Do Experts Say?
Scientists believe interaction between microclots and NETs triggers reactions. This series of reactions eventually leads to Long Covid. Microclots encourage excessive formation of these NETs. This increases inflammation and clotting-related health problems. Covid-like symptoms persist for a very long time. Structural checks of plasma showed high microclot levels. Levels were much higher compared to healthy individuals. The study revealed patient microclots were also larger.
Study writer Alain Thierry said, “This discovery shows that some physical processes between microclots and NETs are running, which can get out of control and cause disease.”
Researcher Resia Pretorius explained how this interaction protects microclots. It saves them from the body’s natural breakdown process. So they remain in blood for longer periods. This can cause problems related to blood vessels. In the Journal of Medical Virology, scientists explained NETs formation. Excessive NETs make microclots more stable and lasting. This contributes to persistent Long Covid symptoms effectively. The team says this offers a chance to understand. It helps in understanding Long Covid better now.
