scholarly journals A follow-up study shows that recovered patients with re-positive PCR test in Wuhan may not be infectious

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaomin Wu ◽  
Zengmiao Wang ◽  
Zhenyu He ◽  
Yapin Li ◽  
Yating Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Previous studies showed that recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients can have a subsequent positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after they are discharged from the hospital. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of recovered COVID-19 patients who have a re-positive test is vital for preventing a second wave of COVID-19. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the epidemiological and clinical features of 20,280 COVID-19 patients from multiple centers in Wuhan who had a positive PCR test between December 31, 2019, and August 4, 2020. The RT-PCR test results for 4079 individuals who had close contact with the re-positive cases were also obtained. Results In total, 2466 (12.16%) of the 20,280 patients had a re-positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test after they were discharged from the hospital, and 4079 individuals had close contact with members of this patient group. All of these 4079 individuals had a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Conclusions This retrospective study in Wuhan analyzed the basic characteristics of recovered COVID-19 patients with re-positive PCR test and found that these cases may not be infectious.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaomin Wu ◽  
Zengmiao Wang ◽  
Zhenyu He ◽  
Yapin Li ◽  
Yating Wu ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundIt has been reported that a few recovered COVID-19 patients could suffer repeat positive, testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus again after they were discharged from hospital. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of patients with repeat positive is vital in preventing a second wave of COVID-19.MethodsIn this study, the epidemiological and clinical features for 20,280 COVID-19 patients from multiple centers between 31 December 2019 and 4 August 2020 in Wuhan were collected and followed. In addition, the RT-qPCR testing results for 4,079 individuals who had close contact with the patients suffering repeat positive were also obtained.Results2,466 (12.16%) of 20,280 patients presented with a repeat positive of SARS-CoV-2 after they were discharged from hospital. 4,079 individuals had close contact with them. The PCR result were negative for the 4,079 individuals.ConclusionsBy a follow-up study in Wuhan, we show the basic characteristics of patients with repeat positive and no new infections caused by patients with repeat positive of COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 954-960
Author(s):  
Abdullah J. Alsahafi ◽  
Manal M. Al Daajani ◽  
Ahmed A. Osman ◽  
Abdulhamed L. Moawwad ◽  
Abdullah M. Algarni ◽  
...  

There have been multiple reports of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after discharge; however, information on the characteristics of such cases is limited. In this case report, we aimed to identify clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients who had a repeat positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. We analyzed data of 22 COVID-19 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing after two consecutive negative PCR results following discharge from hospitals. The interval between the two positive tests in the episodes of COVID-19 ranged from 4 to 117 days. More than one-third of the cases were healthcare workers (HCWs) and one-third of them had comorbidities. The main symptoms were cough and fever, and we noticed that males experienced more symptoms and signs of COVID-19 than females. Individuals with repeat SARS-CoV-2 positivity tend to experience milder illness during the second episode than the first episode. To confirm the reinfection of SARS-CoV-2, the results of other tests, such as viral culture and immunological assays of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), need to be considered. Recovered COVID-19 patients should continue social distancing, using face masks, and practicing hand hygiene, especially HCWs who are more likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Xu ◽  
Feng Liu ◽  
Jun Zhao ◽  
Min Ye ◽  
Congrui Feng ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To clarify the clinical features of cured patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the relevance of IgM and IgG testing.Methods: A total of 187 cured COVID-19 patients with antibody test were followed up every two weeks at Guangzhou Eighth People's hospital. Assessment for general condition, symptoms, epidemiological contact history, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and antibody tests were performed and recorded. Information from Guangzhou CDC was also screened.Results: There were 154 (82.4%) patients with positive results for IgG and 35 (18.7%) patients with positive results for IgM. PCR assay was positive in 10 (5.3%) patients. Neither IgG nor IgM results showed a relationship with PCR test results (all P > 0.05). No re-infection was found in the cured patients. Among people who were in close contact with the cured patients, no one was diagnosed with COVID-19 as reported both by the cured patients and the Guangzhou CDC. Factors associated with appearance of IgG comprised hospitalization days (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.13, P = 0.004) and antibiotics treatment (OR: 2.78, 95%CI: 1.10-7.01, P = 0.031) .Conclusion: In our study, neither re-infection nor human-to-human transmission was found in cured patients with COVID-19. Additionally, neither IgG nor IgM can be used to replace the PCR test in cured patients.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110598
Author(s):  
Hümeyra Aslaner ◽  
Betül Özen ◽  
Zeliha K. Erten ◽  
Mebrure Beyza Gökçek

Urgent measures were taken for those at the age of 65 and over who were at the risk group all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is known that many individuals at the age of 65 and over have experienced anxiety due to the uncertainties. This study aimed to determine the anxiety and death anxiety in individuals aged 65 and over who were isolation at home due to being diagnosed with COVID-19 or being in contact during the pandemic process. The study is descriptive and cross-sectional. It was performed with 656 home-quarantined individuals aged between 65–80 years with positive or negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. A form including questions about the death anxiety and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form prepared by the researchers were administered to the individuals by phone call. Of the participants, 49.5% were male. Median COVID-19 anxiety score was 4 (0–18). Anxiety scores of the male and female participants were similar. Participants with negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and those with death anxiety had higher COVID anxiety scores. Death anxiety has increased by 1.661 times in male gender, 1.983 times in RT-PCR positivity and 0.146 times in the presence of symptoms. Individuals with positive COVID-19 test results or those aged 65 and over who had death anxiety and negative COVID-19 test result but who were in home-isolation due to being a contact had higher anxiety score. For this reason, those with death anxiety can be supported in line with their religious beliefs to reduce anxiety. Those with negative PCR test results in quarantine can be adequately informed about the COVID-19.


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Bashar Sadeq Noomy

      The aim of this study is to determine the sensitivity of bacterial culture technique in the detection of Brucella abortus in milk samples of aborted cows. Sixty samples of milk were collected from aborted cows during a period which did not exceed two months after the abortion. All of them were positive for rose bengal test. Results showed that Brucella abortus was isolated from 7 out of 60 (11.6%) from the milk of aborted cows, while PCR test showed that 32 out of 60 (53.3%) milk sample contained Brucella abortus. The specificity of culture techniques was 10%, but its sensitivity was only 21.8%. Beside the cautions in dealing with live Brucella abortus (as culture), it is also less sensitive than PCR, though it is better to use PCR technique in the diagnosis of brucellosis in aborted cows milk.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha ◽  
Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani ◽  
Mohammad Rostami-Nejad ◽  
Shahriar Janbazi ◽  
Elaheh Zarean ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Males are more likely to die from COVID-19 than females. In addition, the mortality rate among positive and suspected COVID-19 patients were reported in many literatures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sex differential effect in the COVID-19 mortality by different age groups and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. Methods: in a multicenter cross-sectional study from 55 hospitals in Tehran, Iran, patients were categorized as the positive, negative and suspected cases. Age group, sex and hospital wards were also assessed in analysis. Results: A total of 25481 cases (14791 males) were included in the study with the mortality rate of 12.0%. The mortality rate in positive, negative and suspected cases were 20.55%, 9.97% and 7.31%, respectively. Although the mortality in negative test group was considerable, sex was not associated with the death rate in this group. Using Cox regression model, sex had a significant effect on the hazard of death due to COVID-19 in adults and senior patients having positive and suspected PCR test results. However, sex was not found as significant factor for mortality in patients with negative PCR test occurring to different age groups. Conclusion: Regardless of other risk factors, we found that sex differential effect in COVID-19 mortality varies significantly in different age groups; therefore, appropriate strategies should be designed to protect adult and senior men from this deadly infectious disease. Furthermore, owing to the considerable death rate of COVID-19 patients with negative test results, new policies should be launched increase the accuracy of diagnosis tests.


Author(s):  
Bushra A. A. Albazi ◽  
Dr Noof. Albaz ◽  
Dr Nayef. Alqahtani ◽  
Dr. Angham Salih ◽  
Dr Rafat Mohtasab

A large number of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present at hospitals. There are a limited number of isolation rooms open, and patients must often wait a long time to get a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test done. This necessitates the introduction of effective triage plans. A patient with suspicions is referred to an emergency room (ED) depending on their medical record for a simple physical assessment, blood test findings, and chest imaging.A retrospective study design was conduct at Prince Sultan Medical Military City (PSMMC). Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional board to wave the consent forms since it is a retrospective study. Only the primary investigator has had the data access to the patients’ medical records. The collected patient records were under specific categories, including symptoms score starts from 5 and above, RT-PCR test result done after CXRP imaging, the patient admitted to the emergency department (ED). Excluding all CXRP done after RT-PCR TEST, positive Covid 19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), pediatric patients, and patients with score symptoms were less than five. Two experienced radiologists reviewed the images blindly, and the inter-observer reliability of observations noted by the radiologists was calculated. As for the relationship between the x-ray reading and the RT-PCR test result, our results showed a high correlation between the variables (chi-square χ² = 12.44, with df =1, and p<0.001). The sensitivity of x-ray diagnosing covid19 was 65.52 %, while the specificity was 54.51 %, and the accuracy of radiologists reading was 58.17 %. Furthermore, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 41.76 %, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 76.05%. Finally, the false positive rate (type-i error (alpha) was 45.49%, and the false-negative rate (type-ii error (beta) was 34.48% Our research findings show that CXRP imaging can detect COVID-19 infection in symptomatic patients and can be a valuable addition to RT-PCR testing. In an inpatient ED environment where availability of test kits, laboratory equipment, and laboratory personnel is compromised and risks delaying patient treatment and hospital workflow, serial CXRP could theoretically be used as an adjunct diagnostic function and monitoring in patients suspected of having COVID-19.


PRILOZI ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Lidija Kareva ◽  
Katarina Stavrik ◽  
Kristina Mironska ◽  
Arjeta Hasani ◽  
Sonja Bojadzieva ◽  
...  

Abstract Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is characterized by an inflammation with fever, elevated inflammatory markers, conjunctivitis, rash, impaired coagulation, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac abnormalities that may progress to multiorgan failure. The presence of a positive COVID-19 antigen via a PCR test, serological testing for antibodies or close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 helps differentiate MIS-C from other diseases. Gastrointestinal symptoms are recognized to be associated with COVID-19 infection or MIS-C in children, presenting as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal infection with watery stools, appendicitis, ileitis, pancreatitis and hepatitis, confusing the diagnosis with other gastrointestinal diseases. In this case report, we describe an 11 year old boy with MIS-C, who presents acute phlegmona of the appendix for which he undergoes appendectomy, accompanied with acute pancreatitis. These manifestations of MIS-C in our patient resolved without additional complications after a 2 month follow up. We call attention to MIS-C presenting in pediatric patients with fever and abdominal pain which might be caused by appendicitis and pancreatitis, and we recommend abdominal imaging and additional laboratory investigation to promote earlier diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiko Ogawa ◽  
Koji Nishida ◽  
Iwao Gohma ◽  
Kei Kasahara ◽  
Hisakazu Yano

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether patients with COVID-19 who have tested re-positive with the PCR test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus are infectious is a challenge in the current circumstances. A follow-up survey was conducted with healthcare personnel (HCP) who were exposed to a patient whose PCR test results for SARS-CoV-2 were re-positive 18 days after the initial confirmation of negative PCR results.Results: We studied a total of 15 HCP who had contact exposures (15/15) and aerosol exposures (7/15). None of them tested positive for IgG against SARS-CoV-2 on blood examination. None of them had any symptoms during 10 days of active isolation. All PCR tests conducted using the nasopharyngeal swabs collected from the HCP on day 10 were negative. No apparent infection was found in any of the HCP who had contact exposure with and/or aerosol exposure from the patient whose PCR test results for SARS-CoV-2 were re-positive 18 days after the initial confirmation of negative results of PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2.Trial Registration: No. 170, approved June 10th, 2020 by the ethics committee of Sakai City Medical Center.


Author(s):  
Ander Burgaña Agoües ◽  
Marta Serra Gallego ◽  
Raquel Hernández Resa ◽  
Beatriz Joven Llorente ◽  
Maria Lloret Arabi ◽  
...  

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has caused a high mortality in institutionalised individuals. There are very few studies on the involvement and the real impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes. This study analysed factors related to morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in institutionalised elderly people. Methods: This cohort study included 842 individuals from 12 nursing homes in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Spain) from 15 March to 15 May 2020. We evaluated individual factors (demographic, dependence, clinical, and therapeutic) and those related to the nursing homes (size and staff) associated with infection and mortality by SARS-CoV-2. Infection was diagnosed by molecular biology test. Results: Of the 842 residents included in the analysis, 784 underwent a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test; 74.2% were women, the mean age was 87.1 years, and 11.1% died. The PCR test was positive in 44%. A total of 33.4% of the residents presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and of these, 80.9% were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 among residents was associated with the rate of staff infected in the homes. Mortality by SARS-CoV-2 was related to male sex and a greater grade of dependence measured with the Barthel index. Conclusions: SARS-Cov-2 infection in institutionalised people is associated with the infection rate in nursing home workers and mortality by SARS-Cov-2 with sex and greater dependency according to the Barthel index. Adequate management of nursing home staff and special attention to measures of infection control, especially of individuals with greater dependence, are keys for successful management of future pandemic situations.


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