Had 50 mutations

Dutchman dies after almost two years of coronavirus

A 72-year-old Dutchman was infected with the coronavirus for 613 days until his death. A team of doctors from the University Hospital of Amsterdam is now reporting on the case in Barcelona, according to a press release.

Most people recover quickly from a corona infection. While others achieve a negative test result after just a few days, a 72-year-old man fought the virus in vain for 613 days. His weakened immune system was unable to fight the virus effectively, which led to the unusually long duration of the illness. In the fall of 2023, the man finally died from his underlying disease.

A team of doctors from Amsterdam University Hospital has now investigated the case and presented their findings at a congress in Barcelona.

Leukemia as a further diagnosis
The Dutchman was diagnosed with coronavirus in February 2022. His bone marrow disease affected both his stem cells and his red blood cells. The patient was then also diagnosed with leukemia. To make the treatment effective, he had to take immunosuppressants, which suppress the immune system. As a result, his immune system was unable to produce natural antibodies against the virus.

Having been vaccinated several times against SARS-CoV-2, he was hospitalized several times for treatment. Various therapies did not work. The development of the virus in his body was closely monitored.

50 mutations in the body
It is already known that long-term infections can cause potentially dangerous mutations in immunocompromised people. This is because in people suffering from prolonged courses of Covid-19, the virus can spread from the lungs via the bloodstream to other organs. In these organs, it tests various mutations as it multiplies to find out which are most effective without the immune system neutralizing them.

The man was hospitalized several times.(Bild: APA/Barbara Gindl)

In September 2023, more than 50 mutations were detected in the man's body compared to the predominant BA.1 variants. Some of these mutations may have allowed the viruses to evade an immune response more effectively. The case highlights the risk of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections in immunocompromised people, the team said. It is therefore important to continuously monitor the evolution of the virus, the doctors emphasized,