Ewan Smith

Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article ? This is an uncorrected proof. Citation: Smith EW, Hamilton WL, Warne B, Walker ER, Jahun AS, Hosmillo M, et al. (2025) Variable rates of SARS-CoV-2 evolution in chronic infections. PLoS Pathog 21(4): e1013109. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1013109 Editor: Katia Koelle, Emory University, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Received: June 5, 2024; Accepted: April 8, 2025; Published: April 28, 2025 Copyright: © 2025 Smith et al.

Abstract An important feature of the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been the emergence of highly mutated novel variants, which are characterised by the gain of multiple mutations relative to viruses circulating in the general global population. Cases of chronic viral infection have been suggested as an explanation for this phenomenon, whereby an extended period of infection, with an increased rate of evolution, creates viruses with substantial genetic novelty.

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