JOURNAL ARTICLE

Long COVID: Alice Evans, Brucellosis, and Reflections on Infectious Causes of Chronic Disease.

  • Published In: Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2023, v. 77, n. 12. P. 1644 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Smith, Tara C 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the historical and contemporary challenges in recognizing and diagnosing chronic infections, using the experience of microbiologist Alice C. Evans with chronic brucellosis as a parallel to current struggles with long COVID, or postacute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Evans contracted Brucella melitensis during laboratory work in the early 20th century and faced skepticism and stigma similar to that reported by many long COVID patients today, including difficulties in diagnosis and dismissal of symptoms as psychosomatic. The article highlights ongoing issues such as lack of definitive diagnostic tests, underdiagnosis, and social stigma that impede effective treatment and support for chronic infectious conditions. It also notes that despite advances in identifying infectious causes of chronic diseases, patients with long-term sequelae like long COVID continue to encounter barriers reminiscent of those Evans faced nearly a century ago.

Additional Information

  • Source:Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2023/12, Vol. 77, Issue 12, p1644
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Consumer Health
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:1058-4838
  • DOI:10.1093/cid/ciad427
  • Accession Number:174274748
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