SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid shedding is variable for every person

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical Vol. 54; p. e10622021
• Main Authors: Lima-Morales, Daiana de, Wink, Priscila Lamb, Volpato, Fabiana Caroline Zempulski, Camargo, Joíza Lins, de-Paris, Fernanda, Barth, Afonso Luís
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical - SBMT 01-01-2021; Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: RT-qPCR; SARS-CoV-2; Short Communication; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Viral RNA Shedding; RT-qPCR; SARS-CoV-2; Viral RNA Shedding
• ISSN: 0037-8682; 1678-9849; 1678-9849
• DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0162-2021

INTRODUCTIONConsidering the persistent positivity on RT-qPCR tests, the results of SARS-CoV-2 were monitored to evaluate the viral RNA shedding period. METHODSBetween March and June 2020, the sequential results of 29 healthcare workers' were monitored using RT-qPCR. RESULTSMore than 50% of the individuals remained RT-qPCR positive after 14 days. Furthermore, this is the first study to describe positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 in a healthcare worker with mild symptoms 95 days after the first positive test. CONCLUSIONSSequential RT-qPCR results were heterogeneous, and the viral RNA shedding period is unique for each person.