Cape Town — Professor Resia Pretorius of Stellenbosch University, a renowned researcher in inflammation and blood clot formation, delivered a keynote address at the Mexican National Congress of Clinical Pathology in Puebla. Her research, focusing on Long Covid and its impact on blood clotting, has gained international attention since her team identified inflammatory microclots in Covid-19 patients in 2022. These microclots, resulting from chronic inflammation, have proven to be persistent and can lead to a range of complications, especially for individuals with pre-existing health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
According to Pretorius, conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes elevate certain molecules in the bloodstream that interact with plasma proteins and promote abnormal clotting. This pathological clotting, exacerbated by chronic inflammation, poses severe risks, including stroke, heart attack, and diabetic complications.
Pretorius’ findings underline the urgency of managing Long Covid symptoms, which continue to strain healthcare systems globally, with 12 million African Covid-19 survivors potentially affected. As researchers collaborate internationally, the goal remains to develop targeted treatments, though Pretorius warns it may take years before effective therapeutic protocols are widely available.
“Long Covid is not simply a matter of viral persistence,” Pretorius states, “but a complex syndrome impacting blood flow and immune function.” As the medical community works to validate treatment strategies, Pretorius emphasizes the importance of taking Long Covid seriously and developing a comprehensive understanding of its impact on patient health.
