A case of extremely prolonged viral shedding: Could cell cultures be a diagnostic tool to drive COVID-19 patient discharge?. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mileto, Davide; Foschi, Antonella; Mancon, Alessandro; Merli, Stefania; Staurenghi, Federica; Pezzati, Laura; Rizzo, Alberto; Conti, Federico; Romeri, Francesca; Bernacchia, Dario; Meroni, Rachele; Rizzardini, Giuliano; Gismondo, Maria Rita; Micheli, Valeria
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 104(2021)
• Page Start: 631
• Page End: 633
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- RT-PCR -- Serology -- Viral culture; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Case presentation of a patient positive for SARS-CoV-2 after 71 days from symptom onset. After acute infection, patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 may not be a source of COVID-19 infection. Viral culture can help interpreting SARS-CoV-2 positivity, limiting unnecessary isolation. Abstract: This study addressed the case of a patient with prolonged COVID-19 viral shedding, reported by Real-Time PCR, until 71 days from symptom onset. However, viral culture received negative results after 30 days from symptom onset. Therefore, viral culture may be a worthwhile test for patients requiring discharge, in particular for those presenting prolonged viral shedding.