The factors affecting the prolonged PCR positivity in COVID-19 patients

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of factors such as age, gender, comorbid diseases and treatments applied on the positive duration of the PCR test in COVID-19 patients.

The duration of PCR positivity in COVID-19 patients varies. Studies in the literature investigating factors that may affect this duration are limited.

Between March and September 2020, individuals with two or more positive PCR results with a 14-day interval were included in the case group, and those whose PCR results turned negative within 14 days were included in the control group. The relationship between age, gender, contact environment, presence of additional disease, drugs used, smoking and alcohol consumption; type, duration and severity of COVID-19 symptoms, treatment applied for COVID-19 and duration of PCR positivity were examined.

Among 126 participants the mean duration of PCR positivity was 23.38 days (min 6, max 52). Symptoms lasted 15-30 days in 41 patients (32.5 %) and 5-10 days in 30 patients (23.8 %). The positivity duration varied according to age, smoking and alcohol consumption status, and body mass index. Patients with chronic disease, and who had loss of taste and smell during the disease had a longer positive stay. This period was shorter in favipiravir users.

In COVID-19 infection, there are several factors that affect the PCR test to remain positive. Early-term favipiravir use may shorten this period as a modifiable factor (Tab. 3, Ref. 14).