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Understanding How Long COVID-19 Stays in the Body

This study is looking at how long the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19) stays in different parts of the body after someone has recovered. Researchers want to understand how long people might still be able to spread the virus and how quickly the body makes antibodies to fight it. They will study 300 people who have had COVID-19, confirmed by lab tests or a history of symptoms and exposure. An additional 25 people who have never had COVID-19 and haven't been vaccinated will also join as a comparison group. Participants will complete a survey and provide samples like blood, nose swabs, saliva, stool, semen, and breast milk. The study aims to measure how long the virus can be found in these samples for up to 96 weeks.

Study design
This is an observational study involving 325 participants. It follows people over time to see how long the COVID-19 virus can be detected in their bodies.
What's involved
You would complete an enrollment survey and provide samples such as blood, nose swabs, saliva, stool, semen, and breast milk. You would be followed for up to 96 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for up to 96 weeks to measure how long the virus persists in various samples.

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NCT04448145

Determinants of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-COV2 (COVID-19) Persistence After Convalescence

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 7+Observational
Columbia University
~800 participants
Updated 2025-11-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in naso/oropharyngeal samples
Measured over Up to 96 weeks
+7 more outcomes measured

Conditions

COVID-19
Corona Virus Infection
SARS-CoV 2

Explore related trials

COVID-19 Infection

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
New York1

Study leadership

  • Michael Yin, MD, MS · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Associate Professor of Medicine

Who to contact

Michael Yin, MD, MS
[email protected]
212-305-7185
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 using currently available laboratory testing techniques (e.g.,RT-PCR, Immunoglobulin M (IgM) /IgG) or clinical history compatible with a COVID-19 like illness(fever, cough, shortness of breath).
Negative participants with no known prior COVID-19 diagnosis or COVID vaccine
At least 7 years of age
Participants are eligible to provide semen and breast milk samples if they are 18 years of age or older

Exclusion

Age \<7
Intercurrent conditions that in the opinion of the investigator would confound the findings of the study.

What this trial measures

  • Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in naso/oropharyngeal samplesUp to 96 weeks

    Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR naso/oropharyngeal test, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay.

  • Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in stool or rectal swab samplesUp to 96 weeks

    Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR stool or rectal swab samples, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated qRT-PCR assay.

  • Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in semen samplesUp to 96 weeks

    Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR semen sample, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated qRT-PCR assay.

  • Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence in breast milk samplesUp to 96 weeks

    Duration of SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence defined as the number of days from symptom onset to the most recent positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR breast milk sample, as determined by the established cycle threshold cut-off on a validated qRT-PCR assay.

  • Prevalence of cell immune responsesUp to 96 Weeks

    Prevalence defined as the number of participants with B cell, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), natural killer (NK), and natural killer T (NKT) cell immune responses. Plasma will be used for evaluation of neutralizing and binding antibody titers to SARS-CoV-2.

  • Duration of COVID-19 SymptomsUp to 96 weeks

    The duration, in weeks, of COVID-19 symptoms as assessed by a symptom survey. Participants will complete health surveys at each study visit that include questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, in addition to general health questions.

  • Prevalence of post-viral sequelaeUp to 96 weeks

    Prevalence defined as the number of participants that develop post-viral sequelae as assessed by a symptom survey. Participants will complete health surveys at each study visit that include questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms, in addition to general health questions.

  • Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 persistence and bacterial/viral community structuresUp to 96 weeks

    Prevalence defined as the number of participants with SARS-CoV-2 persistence and bacterial/viral community structures.