Shared Biological Foundations of Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Uncovered

Recent research advances have shed light on the biological underpinnings of long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), revealing significant overlaps that could transform understanding and treatment of these conditions. Experts from Massachusetts General Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center have reviewed decades of studies in a comprehensive analysis published in Cell Reports Medicine and PNAS. They highlight that both illnesses involve common issues like neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, endothelial problems, gut microbiome imbalances, and oxidative stress.

A key insight from the review is the role of brain circuits that evolved to respond to severe illnesses. These circuits may remain activated after the infection clears, causing persistent symptoms. This ongoing activation may result from the stimulation of specific neurons by infection-induced inflammation, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction.

The research also emphasizes that many of these abnormalities can reinforce each other, creating vicious cycles that sustain the illnesses over years. Recognizing these shared pathways underscores the importance of viewing long COVID and ME/CFS within a broader category known as post-acute infection syndromes (PAISs), which can guide future targeted therapies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated public and scientific interest in these syndromes, validating patient experiences and prompting new research avenues. Early interventions like antiviral treatments and vaccination seem to reduce the risk of developing long COVID, but effective therapies for established conditions remain under investigation.

Moving forward, key research questions focus on whether other post-infection syndromes share similar biological abnormalities and how neuroinflammation can be effectively targeted in treatments. Raising awareness of PAIS is crucial to improve diagnosis and management worldwide.

This growing understanding offers hope for the development of more precise and effective treatments, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions affected by these complex illnesses. For more details, read the full study: source.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-scientists-biological-roots-covid-chronic.html