Re-positive coronavirus disease 2019 PCR test: could it be a reinfection?

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to global health challenges.
• Reports of patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 after hospital discharge warrant investigation into the underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phenomenon of re-detection of RT-qPCR positivity for SARS-CoV-2 after patient discharge.
• To explore potential reasons for recurrent positive results following initial negative tests.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) results in patients discharged from isolation.
• Review of clinical data and laboratory reports to identify patterns associated with re-positive tests.

Main Results:

• Re-positive RT-qPCR assays for SARS-CoV-2 after prior negative results are observed.
• These re-positive results are potentially attributable to false-negative laboratory findings or extended viral shedding.
• Re-infection is considered a less likely explanation based on initial findings.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that recurrent SARS-CoV-2 positivity post-discharge may be linked to laboratory errors or prolonged viral shedding.
• These findings offer reassurance regarding the possibility of reinfection but require validation in larger patient cohorts.