Reinfection after SARS-CoV2 infection: a looming concern. (Special Issue: SARS-CoV-2.)

Akshay, Kumar Shiwalkar N.; Shaikh, J. D.; Roopvir, Kaur Leite A. F. V.; Persaud, P.; Kichloo, A.; Rodriguez-Morales, A. J.; Ranjit, Sah

Many unanswered questions remain about COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. One such looming concern is the possibility of reinfection of recovered cases. We conducted a literature review on various aspects of this possibility, including the case presentations of relapsed/re-infected patients, the immune response of production of neutralizing antibodies, immunity in response to coronavirus during SARS-CoV2 and MERS, possibility of false-positive results of real-time polymerase chain reaction. We concluded that further studies are required to establish whether relapse or reinfection is possible firmly. However, these possibilities point towards the needs of change in the protocol of isolation, quarantine, and discharge. It also undermines the role of the upcoming vaccine in disease prevention and treatment.