Exploring the Multisystem Features of Long COVID
A special issue of COVID (ISSN 2673-8112). This special issue belongs to the section "Long COVID and Post-Acute Sequelae".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 1055
Special Issue Editors
Interests: infectious diseases; bacterial infections; clinical microbiology; bacterial resistance mechanisms; antibiotics; antimicrobial susceptibility testing; new antibacterial drugs/molecules
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a complex, multisystem condition where symptoms persist for weeks or months after acute COVID-19. Characterized by persistent symptoms that span multiple organ systems—ranging from neurological and cardiovascular to respiratory and gastrointestinal systems—Long COVID poses significant challenges in diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. Despite increasing awareness, its pathophysiology remains only partially understood, and evidence-based treatments are still lacking. Emerging research also suggests that genetics may influence susceptibility, severity, and symptom persistence. Key areas of focus include the following: 1) genetic susceptibility to Long COVID (e.g., HLA, FOXP4, ACE2, and TMPRSS2); 2) immune and inflammatory genes (e.g., TLR3, TLR7, IRF7, IFN, and autoantibody IFN); 3) overlap with other post-viral syndromes, e.g., Long COVID shares features with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) and dysautonomia (e.g., POTS); 4) epigenetics and viral persistence, e.g., SARS-CoV-2 may alter host gene expression (e.g., via DNA methylation), thereby exacerbating long-term symptoms. Genetic differences in viral clearance (e.g., APOBEC3 antiviral genes) could allow persistent viral fragments to trigger immune reactions; and 5) genetics likely interacts with age, sex (women are more affected), and prior health conditions.
This Special Issue aims to explore the multisystemic nature of Long COVID through original research, reviews, and clinical insights, fostering a multidisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from infectious diseases, internal medicine, neurology, cardiology, and beyond. By shedding light on the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we hope to contribute to improved patient care and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. We look forward to your submissions.
Dr. Andrea Marino
Dr. Emmanuele Venanzi Rullo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. COVID is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- long COVID
- post-acute COVID-19
- multisystem involvement
- PASC
- COVID-19 sequelae
- chronic symptoms
- SARS-CoV-2
- rehabilitation
- pathophysiology
- clinical management
- genomics studies
- polygenic risk scores (PRS)
- personalized medicine
- biomarker development
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