The pandemic: What have we learned about Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses (IACIs)?

Prof David Putrino reviewed the scientific findings gained since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and addressed the interplay of the many factors in the pathobiology of infection-associated chronic diseases, including ME/CFS and Long COVID: There is evidence for dysregulation of the immune system (e.g. persistence of viruses after the acute infection phase or reactivation of other viruses), a disturbed intestinal microbiome, autoimmunity, disorders of cell metabolism, chronic inflammation (e.g. of the nerves), hormonal disorders, and disorders of blood coagulation and the endothelium (inner layer of the vascular walls). Future research must determine how these factors are related and how they can be influenced by therapies. These factors most likely play a role in only a portion of those affected and vary greatly over time. He therefore recommends to repeat diagnostics over time in research settings.