Observational Study on SARS-CoV-2 Remnants and Long COVID
This study is looking into why some people experience long COVID (Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 or PASC) after recovering from the initial infection. Researchers want to see if inactive parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) remain in the bodies of people with long COVID, especially those with nerve-related symptoms (neuro-PASC). They will collect tissue samples to find out where these viral remnants might be and what they are made of. The goal is to better understand how these remnants might contribute to long COVID. You can join if you are 18 or older and have recovered from COVID-19, whether or not you have long COVID symptoms. The study aims to enroll 12 participants, but its current status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an observational study, meaning researchers will collect information without giving any specific treatment. It plans to enroll 12 participants.
- What's involved
- You will have 2 to 6 inpatient or outpatient visits over 4 months. Each visit will last 4 to 5 days.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- The primary goal is measured at the study's end, but no specific follow-up period after that is mentioned.
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NCT06577467
Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Remnants After Recovery From Acute Infection
Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+ObservationalNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)Government-funded
~12 participants
Updated 2026-08-12 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
To determine where remnants of SARS-CoV-2 virus can be recovered in persons with neuro-PASC and RVs.
Measured over Study End
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesMaryland1
Study leadership
- Avindra Nath, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Who to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion
Participants 18 and older
Ability to provide informed consent
Completed participation in Phase B of Protocol 000089
Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well-health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel.
A self-reported illness narrative of recovery to prior health after a SARS/CoV2 infection.
Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test.
Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale of 2 - 6:
Functional Criteria: No substantial symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of \>=85 physical function subscale, and \>=85 on role physical subscale, and \>=85 on social function subscale.
Determined to be a Healthy Comparator by the 000089 Case Adjudication Committee
Does not have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The protocol will conform with NIH CC standards for documenting a participant does not have active SARS-CoV-2 infection. This may include screening interviews and/or testing. Testing may be repeated with each admission. Participants may be rescreened 6 weeks after acute infection has resolved.
Participants 18 and older
Ability to provide informed consent
Completed participation in Phase B of Protocol 000089
Licensed Independent Practitioner documentation of a stable state of general well-health and physical function prior to contracting SARS-CoV-2. This may include medical records, correspondence letters, or information gathered from telephone calls with study personnel.
A self-reported illness narrative of the development of persistent PASC symptoms after recovering from a SARS-CoV-2 infection. These include symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, orthostatic intolerance, unrefreshing sleep, neuropathic pain, mood change, and post-exertional malaise.
Laboratory documentation of a positive COVID-19 PCR, NAA, or other EUA Approved test to confirm active COVID infection at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with positive home tests during Phase A will be required to have a positive anti-SARS nucleocapsid antibody test .
Meets WHO Clinical Progression Scale of 2 - 6:
Functional Criteria: Substantial symptom severity as determined using SF-36v2: score of \<= 70 physical function subscale, or \<=50 on role physical subscale, or \<=75 on social function subscale.
Determined to have Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 by the 000089 Case Adjudication Committee
Primary PASC complaint is neurologic including:
Neuropathic sensations
Cognitive complaints
Postural (Orthostatic) complaints
Motor complaints
Does not have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The protocol will conform with NIH CC standards for documenting a participant does not have active SARS-CoV-2 infection. This may include screening interviews and/or testing. Testing may be repeated with each admission. Participants may be rescreened 6 weeks after acute infection has resolved.
Exclusion
Current suicidal ideation
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are within one-year post-partum.
Current or previous malignancy. A history of malignancy that has fully resolved with surgical resection only (e.g. no chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy) will be allowed.
Current systemic immunologic disorders (e.g. Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis). Local immunological disorder (e.g. atopic dermatitis, stable autoimmune thyroid disease) and allergic disorders will be allowed.
Current or previous long-term immune suppressive therapy. Systemic steroid use, even short-term, must not have been used within the month prior to enrollment.
Long term use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
Active participation in a clinical protocol (e.g. anti-inflammatory drug intervention study) which includes an intervention that may affect the results of the current study.
Not willing to allow for research data and samples to be shared broadly with other researchers.
Employees of NIH.
Symptom severity that makes it impossible for the volunteer to travel to NIH for an extended inpatient evaluation
Use of medications with a high-risk for withdrawal-related complications (i.e. long-acting opiates or benzodiazepines).
Unwillingness to co-enroll in protocol 17-I-0122: NIAID Centralized Sequencing Protocol.
What this trial measures
- To determine where remnants of SARS-CoV-2 virus can be recovered in persons with neuro-PASC and RVs.Study End
This is an exploratory study to determine where SARS-CoV-2 viral remnants can be recovered in tissues of patients with Neuro-PASC.