Researchers at the USP-Ribeirão Preto Medical School reported a rare case of coronavirus reinfection and the relapse of the symptoms of Covid-19.
There is only one similar report in the scientific literature, which took place in Boston (USA). The Brazilian case is that of a 24-year-old nursing technician, who tested positive for the new coronavirus twice in the interval of 50 days.
Researchers around the world have been investigating the possibility of reinfection by Sars-Cov-2 since the beginning of the pandemic. There are several reports of persistent viral RNA detection by RT-PCR swab test (sterile swab) of the nasopharynx or oropharynx, but without recurrence of symptoms.
In addition to the compatible and typical Covid-19 symptons, the researchers gathered laboratory evidence (positive virological and serological results) and epidemiological evidence (contact with confirmed cases on both occasions) of the reported case. This data set confirmed the case of the disease.
They claim that the possibility that one or more of the virological and serological tests may have a false positive result exists. Still, it is remote, given the combination of the evidence.
"In conclusion, the present report confirms that, although extremely rare, reinfection by Sars-Cov-2 and illness by Covid-19 on more than one occasion are possible events", they conclude.
For them, this finding has clinical and epidemiological implications that need to be carefully analyzed by health authorities.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon