Autoantibodies Production in Long COVID Syndrome Iraqi Patients | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 April 2026 | ||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.429565.1910 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Youssuf Q. Khaled; Nawal M. Utba* | ||
| Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Jadriyah intersection, Al- Jadriyah, Baghdad, 10071, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Long COVID is a heterogeneous condition with diverse symptoms and risk factors. Limited data exist on its prevalence and immune response in Iraqi populations. Factors such as female sex, older age, and vaccination may influence risk. Objective: This study aimed to identify Autoantibodies targeting GPCRs could inform pathophysiology and therapy. Methodology: This study included 120 recovered COVID-19 patients with Long COVID symptoms (3–12 months) and 40 healthy controls (anti-COVID-19 IgG negative, unvaccinated). Serum autoantibodies against ADRB1, ADRB2, CHRM3, and CHRM4 were measured by ELISA. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and Spearman correlation assessed relationships among autoantibody levels and patient characteristics. Results: ADRB1, ADRB2, CHRM3, and CHRM4 autoantibodies were elevated in Iraqi Long COVID patients, with strong positive correlations indicating coordinated immune responses. Levels varied by symptom type. Age, gender, and vaccination showed differential associations. High autoantibody levels were linked to memory, concentration, and smell/taste disturbances, especially in patients aged 31–50 years. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the involvement of GPCR-targeting autoantibodies in Long COVID pathogenesis, highlights symptom associations, and emphasizes the need for larger, diverse studies to clarify their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| ADRB1-Ab; ADRB2-Ab; CHRM3-Ab; CHRM4-Ab; Long-COVID Syndrome | ||
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