A Low Viral Dose in COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report

A Low Viral Dose in COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report

Yuanhong Xu, Tengchuan Jin, Meijuan Zheng, Yajuan Li, Xianwei Hu, Youhui Tu, Tao Wu, Bo Wang, Huan Ma, Weihong Zeng, Dan Zhao, Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist, Arnaud John Kombe Kombe, Tengchuan Jin, Tengchuan Jin

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has attracted global attention. Verifying the presence of viral RNA is the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19. However, RT-qPCR diagnosis often fails to catch infected patients, because of inconsistent swab sample collection. Here we report a case that showed 5 consecutive negative and 1 low-viral- dose RT-qPCR results during illness spanning over 20 days. Clinical symptoms suggest SARS-CoV-2 infection with typical ground glass like a lung in computed tomography. SARS-CoV-2 infection was serologically confirmed by the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in patients' serum. Finally, a high level of protective IgG was produced after the patient recovered. Surprisingly, as a barber and a housewife staying at home for the first 2 weeks after the onset of illness, none of the close contacts were infected, showing a case of low viral load and low infectivity in this patient.

2020

IgG, RT-qPCR, IgM, IgA, COVID-19 patient

10.3389/fpubh.2020.00339

Epidemiology and Health

Korean Society of Epidemiology

Public aspects of medicine