Understanding how long COVID-19 can persist after recovery

Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 Persistence in Host Reservoirs, Post-viral Sequelae, and Associations With Host and Viral Determinants in a Cohort of Convalescent COVID-19 Cases

Observational Columbia University · NCT04448145

This study is trying to find out how long the COVID-19 virus can stick around in people who have recovered and how quickly their bodies make antibodies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages7 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04448145 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. It will enroll 325 participants with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and 25 negative controls to analyze how long the virus can remain in various body fluids and how quickly antibodies develop. Participants will complete surveys and provide biological samples over a 24-month period to assess post-infectious complications and viral persistence. The study will utilize a combination of laboratory testing and participant-reported data to gather comprehensive insights.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 7 and older who have had a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or were symptomatic with known exposure.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 7 or those with intercurrent conditions that may confound study findings will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical information on the duration of viral shedding and antibody response, which may inform public health guidelines and patient management.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored viral persistence in COVID-19 patients, but this specific approach focusing on various body fluids and long-term follow-up is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 using currently available laboratory testing techniques (e.g.,RT-PCR, Immunoglobulin M (IgM) /IgG) or clinical history compatible with a COVID-19 like illness(fever, cough, shortness of breath).
* Negative participants with no known prior COVID-19 diagnosis or COVID vaccine
* At least 7 years of age
* Participants are eligible to provide semen and breast milk samples if they are 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<7
* Intercurrent conditions that in the opinion of the investigator would confound the findings of the study.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COVID-19Corona Virus InfectionSARS-CoV 2Novel Coronavirus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.