A case of transient existence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the respiratory tract with the absence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Yi-Chun; Cheng, Chien-Yu; Chen, Cheng-Pin; Cheng, Shu-Hsing; Chang, Sui-Yuan; Hsueh, Po-Ren
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 96(2020)
• Page Start: 464
• Page End: 466
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Asymptomatic infection -- Colonization -- Contamination; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: We report a case of transient existence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in the respiratory tract with the absence of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was absent in the six respiratory specimens that were subsequently tested. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG were absent in the acute and convalescent sera. Abstract: We report the case of a patient who had travelled to Japan and who presented mild respiratory symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak period. There was transient existence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in his oropharynx. The RNA was absent in the six respiratory specimens that were subsequently tested. An anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response was absent in the acute and convalescent sera. The reported case indicates that transient colonization of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract is possible without inciting any antibody response against the virus.