The Use of Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in a Case of Breakthrough Long COVID

Abstract

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or long COVID is a major public health problem. The underlying mechanism(s) of this disease remains unclear, and there is a lack of effective therapies. We report a case of a 47-year-old patient who experienced breakthrough acute COVID-19 with PASC after two doses of COVID-19 vaccination, and its symptom resolution following a course of the novel combination of antiviral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir. One of several leading hypotheses on the pathogenesis of PASC is a persistent viral reservoir. This case report raises important questions on the potential role of antiviral therapies in long COVID, and the need for further research and clinical trials in this field of study.