Open AccessSARS‐CoV‐2 re‐infection versus prolonged shedding: A case series
Author(s) -
Nicholson Erin G.,
Avadhanula Vasanthi,
Fragoso Sonia,
Stroh Rachel,
Ye Xunyan,
Bond Nanette,
Santarcangelo Patricia,
Stroh John,
Piedra Pedro A
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12879
Subject(s) - viral shedding , covid-19 , medicine , virology , pandemic , rna , immunology , biology , virus , disease , biochemistry , infectious disease (medical specialty) , gene
Since the start of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, it has been difficult to differentiate between SARS‐CoV‐2 re‐infection and prolonged RNA shedding. In this report, we identified patients with positive RT‐PCR results for SARS‐CoV‐2 ≥70 days apart. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and criteria were applied to discern whether the presentation was consistent with SARS‐CoV‐2 re‐infection or prolonged viral RNA shedding. Eleven individuals met the initial testing criteria, of which, seven met at least one criteria for re‐infection and four were consistent with prolonged RNA shedding. These data demonstrate the need for criteria to differentiate SARS‐CoV‐2 re‐infection from prolonged RNA shedding.