Preprint Virus Genome Sequences in the Blood of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients, 2025, Davis et al

[EndME]

yeah, I didn’t see those arguments as particularly convincing either—Ebola is a unique case because its target cell type is myeloids, which are integrated into the barriers of these immunoprivileged sites. And a quick google confirms that the chronic symptoms of Ebola [edit: if and when they occur] tend to be specific to these privileged sites—eye and joint problems, etc.

Indeed but there it isn’t quite sure whether those symptoms are even present in those with viral persistence or whether there’s a possibility that some symptoms align with ME/CFS, but from what I’ve seen people with Ebola persistence often seemed to have no symptoms at all. The post-Ebola bucket is probably quite similar to the Long-Covid bucket just with even far less research and stratification. I’m reminded by an old post of mine (which was probably incredibly naive) but I did already wander back then why if post-Ebola and Ebola persistence are claimed to be such a good example by some, why none of those have even invested any effort to understand whether it could even be of relevance. I guess it doesn't matter much, these beliefs will always just be hanging around, whether they are beliefs or not.

 

[duncan]

Fragments of inert viruses do hang around for a long time after the infection has cleared. But the scenario in which they cause long term health problems is if they are recognized as pathogenic and induce an immune response. If the fragments themselves are not inducing an immune response, they’re no different to the regular junk proteins that all of our cells already churn out on their own and can handle just fine.

Nods. This was my thinking as well. If there is immunosuppression going on, what is making people feel sick?

There seems to be a tie in to activation of latent viruses like herpes strains. But wouldn't there be evidence of those reactivations?

It's a bit too convoluted for me, but there are some smart people who embrace this idea.

Sorry, did not mean to derail this thread, just wanted to reply to your insight.

 

[Jaybee00]

Here is Polybio, who are very enthusiastic about viral persistence

Cutting-edge Recommendations Provide Treatment Path for Millions of Long COVID Patients - PolyBio Research Foundation

In a new report, global experts outline key considerations to address persistent SARS-CoV-2; provide a roadmap to test critical new long...

polybio.org

“However, Long COVID is not a mystery. Research increasingly links the condition and its symptoms to persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, with evidence showing that the virus can linger in reservoirs for months, or even years, in at least a subset of individuals. While early efforts are underway to treat these reservoirs,..”