Plasma-based antigen persistence in the post-acute phase of COVID-19
Persistent symptoms among some individuals who develop COVID-19 have led to the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 might, in some form or location, persist for long periods following acute infection.1,2 Studies on SARS-CoV-2 persistence to date, however, have been limited by small and non-representative study populations, short durations since acute infection, unclear documentation of vaccination and reinfection histories, and the absence of a true negative comparator group to assess assay specificity (appendix p 2).