An international team of scientists has provided a hypothetical explanation for the phenomenon of re-infection with COVID-19. According to their hypothesis, the coronavirus is able to “hide” from the immune system in the bubbles contained in the extracellular fluid – exosomes, and “go outside” after the body has coped with the disease.
Many viruses enter these vesicles as they spread within the host. As for SARS-Cov-2, histological analysis of tissue samples from deceased patients has shown that it can penetrate the vesicles of the extracellular fluid of infected cells. Moreover, not individual virus particles were found there, but entire arrays.
“These findings suggest that there is a possibility of using SARS-Cov-2 exosomal cell transport as a mode of spread, and this serves as a potential means for reactivating the virus,” the authors concluded.
The hypothesis is supported by the positive results of the PCR test in people who, a few days before, when they were discharged from the hospital, showed two negative results, and the chances of getting infected again were minimal. In some patients, the PCR test is positive 4-17 days after discharge.
Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:
Trojan Cov: Scientists Explain Reinfection Phenomenon