Prolonged viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in an immunocompromised patient
Yukiko Nakajima, Asuka Ogai, Karin Furukawa, Ryosuke Arai, Ryusuke Anan, Yasushi Nakano, Yuko Kurihara, Hideaki Shimizu, Takako Misaki, Nobuhiko Okabe
Abstract
The duration of viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is usually less than 10 days. We experienced a COVID-19 case with prolonged viral shedding for 2 months. His cell mediated immunity has been depressed (CD4+T cell <100/μl) due to advanced malignant lymphoma and chemotherapy which had been completed 4 months prior to the onset of symptoms of COVID-19. We administered several treatments against COVID-19, however the results of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from nasopharyngeal specimens remained positive to SARS-CoV-2 for 2 months. Moreover, virus isolation assays performed on Day 59 also remained positive. He was finally discharged on Day 69 with two consecutive negative PCR results for SARS-CoV-2. Immunocompromised status may prolong viral shedding and it is therefore important for the clinician to take into account this when assessing such patients.