Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus

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EWING, Andrew G, JOFFE, David, BLITSHTEYN, Svetlana, BROOKS, Anna ES, WIST, Julien, BAR-YAM, Yaneer, BILODEAU, Stephane, CURTIN, Jennifer, DUNCAN, Rae, FAGHY, Mark, GALLAND, Leo, PRETORIUS, Etheresia, SALAMON, Spela, BUONSENSO, Danilo, HASTIE, Claire, KANE, Binita, KHAN, M Asad, LAL, Amos, LAU, Dennis, MACINTYRE, Raina, MCFARLAND, Sammie, MUNBLIT, Daniel, NICHOLSON, Jeremy, OLLILA, Hanna M, PUTRINO, David, ROSARIO, Alberto and TAN, Timothy (2025). Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus. Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, 24 (1): 27. [Article]

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Abstract

Background

Long COVID is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome affecting over four hundred million people globally. There are few recommendations, and no formal training exists for medical professionals to assist with clinical evaluation and management of patients with Long COVID. More research into the pathology, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of Long COVID, and treatments is needed. The goal of this work is to disseminate essential information about Long COVID and recommendations about definition, diagnosis, treatment, research and social issues to physicians, researchers, and policy makers to address this escalating global health crisis.

Methods

A 3-round modified Delphi consensus methodology was distributed internationally to 179 healthcare professionals, researchers, and persons with lived experience of Long COVID in 28 countries. Statements were combined into specific areas: definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and society.

Results

The survey resulted in 187 comprehensive statements reaching consensus with the strongest areas being diagnosis and clinical assessment, and general research. We establish conditions for diagnosis of different subgroups within the Long COVID umbrella. Clear consensus was reached that the impacts of COVID-19 infection on children should be a research priority, and additionally on the need to determine the effects of Long COVID on societies and economies. The consensus on COVID and Long COVID is that it affects the nervous system and other organs and is not likely to be observed with initial symptoms. We note, biomarkers are critically needed to address these issues.

Conclusions

This work forms initial guidance to address the spectrum of Long COVID as a disease and reinforces the need for translational research and large-scale treatment trials for treatment protocols.

More Information

Official URL:

https://ann-clinmicrob.biomedcentral.com/articles/...

Open Access URL:

https://ann-clinmicrob.biomedcentral.com/counter/p...

Open Access Version:

Published version

Contributors:

Dalton, Caroline [0000-0002-1404-873X] (Affiliation: Sheffield Hallam University)
Kudiersky, Nik (Affiliation: Sheffield Hallam University)

Uncontrolled Keywords:

1103 Clinical Sciences; Microbiology; 3202 Clinical sciences

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