Re-positive PCR of SARS-CoV-2 in health care persons during COVID-19 pandemic

Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2022 Feb 4;67(5):138-143. doi: 10.14715/cmb/2021.67.5.19.

Abstract

Reinfection rate with SARS-CoV-2 and degree of protection by the induced antibody after the first episode of the infection is not well known, so it makes a big dilemma for health care personnel (HCP) who work in the front line of combating SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we investigated the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 redetection among HCP after the initial onset of the infection in a children's hospital during one year. Out of 131 seropositive HCP, 13.7% of them were symptomatic and PCR positive during 74-360 days after first sampling. Analysis of demographic data of seropositive HCP showed a correlation between a higher number of family members, higher body mass index, and the existence of underlying diseases with SARS-CoV-2 redetection. In conclusion, reinfection is one of the important problems in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Research on this topic can help us to find answers to questions for estimating the duration of human protection with produced immunity after the infection or vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Reinfection
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral