A case of transient existence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the respiratory tract with the absence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response

Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Jul:96:464-466. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.070. Epub 2020 May 26.

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.

Keywords: Asymptomatic infection; COVID-19; Colonization; Contamination; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • Betacoronavirus / immunology
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / immunology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / immunology
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Respiratory System*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • RNA, Viral