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BMC Infect Dis
. 2021 Oct 18;21(1):1076.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-021-06776-3.
Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity and prolonged viral shedding in a patient with COVID-19: a case report
Chun-Hua Xiao # 1 , Lin-Fa Chen # 1 2 , You Li 3
Affiliations
- PMID: 34663257
- DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06776-3
Abstract
Background: The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a major threat to public health. At present, it is recommended that patients with known or suspected COVID-19 undergo quarantine or medical observation for 14 days. However, recurrent SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity and prolonged viral shedding have been documented in convalescent COVID-19 patients, complicating efforts to control viral spread and ensure patient recovery.
Case presentation: We report the case of a patient who experienced two recurrent episodes of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and IgM positivity and viral shedding over 60 days during hospitalization.
Conclusions: This case report demonstrates that relapses of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and IgM positivity may occur even after COVID-19 symptoms have resolved, possibly as a consequence of prolonged viral shedding rather than re-infection.
Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; IgM; Recurrence; SARS-CoV-2; Viral shedding.