PhD Defence Iris Brus

Short description of thesis: 

Post-acute infection syndromes, such as post COVID-19 condition (PCC) and Q-fever fatigue syndrome (QFS), present a major public health challenge due to the large impact on both affected individuals and on society. Patients experience a wide range of symptoms and varying degrees of functional limitations, which hinder their daily life and societal participation. The heterogenous presentation in terms of symptoms, functioning and longitudinal trajectory presents notable challenges for both patients suffering from these conditions and for professionals tasked with the care for these patients. To gain more insight into these conditions, this thesis aimed to evaluate outcomes in patients with post-acute infection syndromes, to explore determinants associated with these outcomes, to examine heterogeneity in outcomes in this patient population, and to identify opportunities for improving healthcare for these patients.