Changes in RT-PCR test results and symptoms during the menstrual cycle of a female individual infected with SARS-CoV-2: a case report
Abstract Background: The implications of the menstrual cycle for disease susceptibility, development, and severity of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are largely unknown.Case presentation: We report a 37-year-old woman infected with SARS-CoV-2 who showed a 16-day incubation period. She developed a fever on the first day of her menstrual period, and again on the first day of her next menstrual period after hospital discharge. RT-PCR test results were positive during the first menstrual period before admission, turned negative during hospitalization, and then positive again during the second menstrual period after hospital discharge.Conclusions: This case indicates sex hormones may play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. For women with history of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the management protocol should include assessment of the menstrual status.