All procedures followed in this study were in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and later versions. Oral consent was obtained from patients involved before enrollment when data were collected retrospectively.
A novel coronavirus pandemic threatens the world. Here, we first studied the dynamics profile of SARS-CoV-2 from 56 recovered COVID-19 patients. We found virus shedding was up to 6 weeks after onset of symptoms. Prolonged observation period is necessary for older patients.
Word count: 2713 J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Highlights In this retrospective study of 301 confirmed COVID-19 patients with 1113 samples of RT-PCR tests, the average contagious period of infected patients was 20 days. Longer observation period and more than 2 series of negative viral test are necessary for patients ≥65 years. This study is currently the largest case series to date on the RT-PCR findings of COVID-19 throughout disease course. Abstract Background: With the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, its effect on society is amplified. We aimed to describe the viral detection results across different timepoints throughout the disease course. Methods: A retrospective study of 301 confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, were included. Demographic characteristics of the patients were collected. Upper respiratory specimens (throat and/or nasal swabs) were obtained and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Period of viral infection and the contagious stage were analyzed. Results: Of 301 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the median age was 58 years and 51.2% were male. The median period between symptoms presence and positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results was 16 days (IQR, 10-23, N=301). The median period between symptoms presence and an effective negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result was 20 days (IQR, 17-24; N=216). Infected patient ≥65 years old stayed contagious longer (22 days vs 19 days, J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f p=0.015). Although two consecutive negative results were confirmed in 70 patients, 30%of them had positive viral test results for the third time. Using specimens from nasal swabs to run the RT-PCR test showed a higher positive rate than using specimens from throat swabs.Conclusions: This large-scale investigation with 1113 RT-PCR test results from 301 COVID-19 patients showed that the average contagious period of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients was 20 days. Longer observation period and more than 2 series of negative viral test are necessary for patients ≥65 years.
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