SARS-CoV-2 Re-Infection versus Prolonged Shedding: A Case
Series
Authors: Erin Nicholson, MD, Vasanthi Avadhanula, PhD, Sonia
Fragoso, MPH, Rachel Stroh, Xunyan Ye, PhD, Nanette Bond, PA, Patricia
Santarcangelo, RN, John Stroh, MD, Pedro A Piedra, MD
Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it has been difficult to
differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 re-infection and prolonged RNA
shedding. In this report, we identified patients with positive rtPCR
results for SARS-CoV-2 ≥70 days apart. Clinical and laboratory data were
collected and criteria were applied to discern whether the presentation
was consistent with SARS-CoV-2 re-infection or prolonged viral RNA
shedding. Eleven individuals met the initial testing criteria, of which,
seven met at least one criteria for re-infection and four were
consistent with prolonged RNA shedding. These data demonstrate the need
for criteria to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 re-infection from prolonged RNA
shedding.
Key Words: SARS-CoV-2; Re-Infection; Shedding
Abstract Word Count: 100