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Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 infections and their potential risk to public health - a systematic review

Seth Kofi Abrokwa1, Sophie Alice Müller2, Alba Méndez-Brito1

  • 1Evidence- based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.

Plos One
|December 9, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Re-positive cases, testing positive after recovering from SARS-CoV-2, are common within weeks. This systematic review informs policies on quarantine and contact tracing for these recurrent infections.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Understanding SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is crucial for public health.
  • Re-positive cases impact quarantine and contact tracing strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the extent and characteristics of re-positive cases after SARS-CoV-2 recovery.
  • To inform effective quarantine and contact tracing policies for re-positive individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of PubMed and Embase databases.
  • Appraisal of 90 case reports/series and 35 observational studies.
  • Analysis of pooled recurrence rates from eight reviews.

Main Results:

  • 276 re-positive cases identified; 50% of confirmed reinfections occurred within 90 days.
  • Re-positive rates in observational studies varied from 0% to 50%.
  • Pooled recurrence rates from reviews ranged from 12% to 17.7%; probability of re-positivity increased with certain factors.

Conclusions:

  • Recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests is frequently observed shortly after initial recovery.
  • Findings highlight the need for updated public health guidance on managing re-positive individuals.

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