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SARS-CoV-2 late shedding may be infectious between immunocompromised hosts
Ville Kaila1, Simo Sirkeoja1, Soile Blomqvist2
1Department of Infectious Disease, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
Infectious Diseases (London, England)
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Severely immunocompromised patients can transmit SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) beyond 28 days, challenging current isolation guidelines. This case highlights the risk of prolonged infectiousness in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Immunocompromised individuals exhibit impaired SARS-CoV-2 clearance.
- Prolonged viral shedding in these patients is documented.
- Person-to-person transmission from late shedding remains poorly understood.
Observation:
- A case of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurred 28 days after initial symptoms.
- The index patient was severely immunocompromised.
- The transmission event surpassed the 20-day isolation guideline for immunocompromised patients.
Findings:
- Whole genome sequencing confirmed viral transmission.
- The infectious period extended significantly beyond recommended isolation durations.
- This case demonstrates sustained viral viability and infectivity.
Implications:
- Current isolation guidelines for immunocompromised COVID-19 patients may be insufficient.
- Hospital settings require stringent infection control to prevent transmission from prolonged shedders.
- Further research is needed to define optimal isolation periods for immunocompromised patients.
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