DOI: 10.12890/2021_002463

What are the Clinical Implications of a Positive RT-PCR Test 6 Months after a Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection?

Authors

  • Joao Gabriel De Carvalho Department of Geriatrics, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, RHNe - Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois, Neuchatel, Switzerland
  • Kateryna Hvozdara Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, RHNe - Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois, Neuchatel, Switzerland

dr.joaogabrielcarvalho@gmail.com

Keywords

COVID-19, RT-PCR, swab test

Abstract

We present the case of an 84-year-old female patient hospitalized for surgical treatment of a hip fracture who re-tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with an RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab approximately 6 months after presenting mild respiratory symptoms with confirmed COVID-19 in April 2020. We discuss the possibility of reinfection, long-term viral shedding and residual positivity, the limitations of RT-PCR swab tests, and the necessity for new testing methods as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads and long-lasting immunity is uncertain.

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References

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Published

2021-04-14

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2021)

How to Cite

1.
De Carvalho JG, Hvozdara K. What are the Clinical Implications of a Positive RT-PCR Test 6 Months after a Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection? EJCRIM [Internet]. 2021 Apr. 14 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];8(4). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/2463