key: cord-300285-su2fueox
authors: Gajurel, Kiran
title: Persistently positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV2) nasopharyngeal PCR in a kidney transplant recipient
date: 2020-07-27
journal: Transpl Infect Dis
DOI: 10.1111/tid.13408
sha: 
doc_id: 300285
cord_uid: su2fueox

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2 ) infection is usually diagnosed by a positive PCR test in respiratory samples. While the respiratory PCR may remain positive for 2-3 weeks in the general population there have been occasional reports of persistent and recurrent positive SARS-COV2 PCR beyond 4 weeks despite clinical resolution 1-6 .

is a concern that they may be able to transmit infection to others if discharged to congregate facilities or brought back to the clinic for evaluation. This is particularly relevant in transplant recipients who carry a significant mortality and morbidity associated with SARS COV2 infection. 8 Here, we would like to share our experience of a Follow-up NP SARS COV2 PCR, however, remained intermittently positive for 57 days after the first positive test (Table 1) . Two consecutive tests finally came back negative on days 64 and 65. She had no fever or respiratory symptoms, and NP PCR was repeated to document clearance of the virus so that she could come back for follow-up clinic visits (two consecutive negative PCRs were required).

The same PCR platform (Roche COBAS 8800) was used except on day 64 when Luminex NxTAG/MagPix was used. The NP PCR was intermittently positive with fluctuating Ct values. On day 29, only the E gene was positive (ORF1 gene negative) with a high Ct value. The subsequent test 7 days later (on day 36) was negative

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