A suspected case of SARS-CoV-2 persistence with reactivation

Abstract

Reinfections with SARS-CoV-2 have been verified by the presence of phylogenetically distant viruses in each episode. Here, we report a suspected case of SARS-CoV-2 persistence with reactivation in a 35-years old patient presenting positive RT-PCR on April 7th and August 7th, each episode characterized by mild and severe symptoms, respectively. Sequencing of viral genomes identified only two SNPs indicating the presence of genetically linked viruses for the first time. Subsequently to hospital discharge, the patient presented a positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 in stool, urine and semen samples.