Severe COVID-19 reactivates dormant viruses in the human body

A large observational study published in Nature indicates that severe COVID-19 infections can reactivate dormant viruses within the human body, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Researchers analyzed data from 1,154 hospitalized, unvaccinated patients across 20 U.S. hospitals as part of the Immunophenotyping Assessment in a COVID-19 Cohort (IMPACC) study. By measuring viral RNA rather than just antibody responses, the team tracked the temporal dynamics of these pathogens. The findings showed that nearly half of the hospitalized patients experienced the reawakening of at least one dormant virus.

Specifically, EBV was frequently detected at the time of hospitalization, while CMV detections often spiked a few weeks later. The study also noted the presence of Anelloviridae, which showed an association with fatigue and other physical challenges. Patients experiencing these reactivations often faced worse clinical outcomes, including longer hospital stays and more severe complications. This research suggests that COVID-19 may disrupt the body’s internal viral ecosystem, potentially contributing to the complexities of Long COVID.