Second Presentations of COVID-19 Due to Non–Variant-of-Concern Strains

Several months after initial recovery, four healthcare workers in Brazil were reinfected with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.

Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is rare and primarily involves variants of concern (VOCs) with altered spike proteins that can elude antibodies. Now, investigators describe reinfection with non-VOC strains in four female healthcare workers (HCWs; mean age, 44; no evidence of immunosuppression) in a large public hospital in Brazil.

The original infections were confirmed with PCR and caused mild symptoms lasting 10 to 23 days. After recovery, repeat tests for viral RNA and anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were negative. Reinfection developed 55 to 170 days after onset of the first infection, lasted 9 to 23 days, and was accompanied by mild symptoms. All four HCWs used recommended personal protective equipment before initial infection and during the inte…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Second Presentations of COVID-19 Due to Non–Variant-of-Concern Strains

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Reviewing Author