New test from Mainz University Medicine: Post-COVID diagnosis simplified!

New test from Mainz University Medicine: Post-COVID diagnosis simplified!

On April 2, 2025, a research team from Mainz University Medical Center will present a newly developed test for the exclusion diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Loud Mainz University Medicine The test, based on a questionnaire and comprehensive data from the Gutenberg COVID-19 study, enables faster diagnostics in primary care. This study included over 900 people and documented long-term symptoms in about a third of patients with known SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Current hydration disorders, such as fatigue or difficulty concentrating, are common symptoms associated with PCS. Interestingly, 25% of the control group without previous infection also reported similar long-term symptoms. The newly developed test validates these results and is expected to be accessible via a web application. The mammoth project is of great importance not only for general practitioners, but also for medical professionals, as the diagnosis of PCS is currently a costly exclusion diagnosis.

Main risks and current figures

The Robert Koch Institute estimates that 6-15% of the population suffers from the long-term consequences of COVID-19 disease. The PCS is therefore directly linked to the effects of the pandemic, which are still being felt four years after its peak. Loud Medical Journal Millions of people are affected, with 10-20% of those who recover suffering from the syndrome.

The causes of PCS are diverse and range from viral persistence and autoimmune reactions to mitochondrial dysfunction. This complexity makes diagnosis and therapy significantly more difficult because specific biomarkers are missing and the pathophysiological mechanisms are still being researched. However, innovative approaches in telemedicine could facilitate access to specialized therapies.

Long-term research and challenges

Scientists emphasize the need for further research to explore the precise mechanisms of PCS. The RKI highlights that numerous studies have been carried out during the pandemic without control groups, which limits the validity of the results. Current surveys show that the frequency of Long COVID symptoms varies between 5% and 12.7%, depending on the source and the definitions used.

Despite increasing immunity in the population, the medical community continues to experience high prevalence of Long COVID. This raises questions about the role of reinfections, particularly as symptomatic infections may still be increasing. In the long term, there remains concern about the health of COVID-19 patients, as illnesses and complications have been proven to occur more frequently than in influenza patients.

Overall, doctors and researchers must now work closely together to meet the challenges of PCS. The development of simple diagnostic tools and suitable therapeutic approaches could be crucial to help affected patients and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.