SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic diary: from rumors to the first case. Early reports of molecular tests from the military research and diagnostic institute of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Corona virus disease (COVID-19) presents a serious threat to global health. A historical timeline of early molecular diagnostics from government alert (January 22) (D) was presented. After in silico analysis, Brazilian Army Institute of Biology (IBEx-RJ) tested samples in house using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (fast mode) based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. First cases from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, IBEx, and diagnosis team were reported in D36, D44, D66, and D74 respectively. Therefore, after 1300 tests, we recommend N1/N2 primer sets (CDC) for preliminary and Charité protocol confirmation in case of positive results. Moreover, every professional should be tested before starting work, in addition to weekly tests for everyone involved.

Are SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and Covid-19 recurrence possible? a case report from Brazil

“…On the 7 th day of symptoms, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samplings were repeated and resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR (Fragments N1 and N2 of SARS-CoV-2, according to the Centers for Disease Control protocol 8 , 9 ). Among her two family members, one developed flu-like symptoms, but he was not tested for diagnostic confirmation.…”

Coronavirus outbreak from early career psychiatrists' viewpoint: What we have learned so far

“…Later, regulations on activities were enforced and even some cities ordered a lockdown. 11,12 Most psychiatric outpatient services were closed or diminished their activity dramatically. Secondary care services, named Psychosocial Attention Centers, which are a fundamental part of the Psychosocial Attention Network, closed group activities and some of them suspended non-essential activities in most cities throughout the country.…”

“…In mid-April 2020, after one confirmed case in one unit, it was decided that the hospital would dedicate one ward for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and the staff received training in PPE use. 11,12 Social isolation proved crucial in slowing the spread of the infection in Brazil, but as the cases grow exponentially every day in a second and far more severe wave, we fear we have not seen the worst of it and its toll in unassisted psychiatric patients will become unbearable. 15…”

A multivariate analysis on spatiotemporal evolution of Covid-19 in Brazil

“…Covid-19 is a severe acute respiratory infection that turned pandemic and emerged as one of major global health, economic, geographic and social challenges in this century ( Anonymous, 2020 ). The outbreak was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on January 30th, 2020, and contributions to data analysis for new policymaker strategies in order to support epidemiological decisions were done since then ( Cipitelli et al., 2020 ; Wu et al., 2020 ).…”