COVID-19 May Reactivate Dormant Viruses
Nearly half of hospitalized patients had detectable reactivation of at least one chronic virus
Clinical Scorecard: COVID-19 May Reactivate Dormant Viruses
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition COVID-19 Key Mechanisms Reactivation of chronic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, human alphaherpesvirus 1, and cytomegalovirus during acute COVID-19 illness. Target Population Unvaccinated patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Care Setting Hospitalized patients in acute care settings.
Key Highlights
Nearly half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had detectable reactivation of chronic viruses. Epstein-Barr virus reactivated early in 24% of patients during the first week. Cytomegalovirus and human alphaherpesvirus 1 were detected later in the illness. Viral transcript detection correlated with greater COVID-19 severity. No association found between acute viral detection and long COVID symptom groups. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
RNA sequencing can identify reactivated viral transcripts in patients. Management
Routine monitoring of viral reactivation is not established for improving patient care. Monitoring & Follow-up
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays are available for several herpesviruses and Anelloviridae. Risks
Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus presence associated with one-year mortality in critically ill patients. Patient & Prescribing Data
Unvaccinated hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Viral reactivation may reflect disease severity but does not establish causation.
Clinical Best Practices
Consider monitoring for viral reactivation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Utilize RNA sequencing for comprehensive viral detection. Related Resources & Content
