Prolonged viral clearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the older aged population

Ueno, Akitoshi; Kawasuji, Hitoshi; Miyajima, Yuki; Fukui, Yasutaka; Sakamaki, Ippei; Saito, Mayuko; Yamashiro, Seiji; Morinaga, Yoshitomo; Oishi, Kazunori; Yamamoto, Yoshihiro

Introduction The detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the standard method for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This PCR test can be positive even in patients who have recovered from the disease, and the duration for achieving viral clearance has not been clarified yet. Methods This study was conducted between April 3, 2020, and June 17, 2020, at the Toyama University Hospital and the Toyama Rehabilitation Home. We collected the data of patients with COVID-19, analyzing the duration until twice-consecutive negative qRT-PCR test. Results A total of 42 patients were enrolled. The median duration of the twice-consecutive negative qRT-PCR test was 29.0 d (interquartile range: 25.75–35.25). The longest duration of viral shedding was 73 d. The duration of viral clearance was significantly longer in the older (>65 years) group than in the younger group (34.5 d vs. 25.0 d, P <0.0001). Conclusion This study demonstrated that viral clearance tends to be sustained in the older adults.