Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic reinfection in four healthcare professionals from the same hospital despite the presence of antibodies

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Amel Chtourou¹  Ahmed Rebai²  Saba Gargouri²  Noureddine Rekik²  Rim Karray²  Lamia Feki-Berrajah²  Saber Masmoudi³  Hana Kossentini³  Abdennour Nasri³  Ikhlass Ben Ayed³  Adnène Hammami³  Hela Karray-Hakim⁴  Fatma Abdelmoula⁴  Amal Souissi⁴  Olfa Chakroun⁴  Nabil Abid⁵ 

[1] High Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia;Department of Microbiology, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital/Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia;Emergency Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital/Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia;Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia;Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tunisia;

关键词: Coronavirus disease 2019;    SARS-CoV-2;    Reinfection;    Healthcare professional;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Objectives: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 have been reported, raising additional public health concerns. SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was assessed in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Tunisia because they are at the greatest exposure to infection by different variants. Methods: We conducted whole-genome sequencing of the viral RNA from clinical specimens collected during the initial infection and the suspected reinfection from 4 HCWs, who were working at the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital (Sfax, Tunisia) and retested positive for SARS-CoV-2 through reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after recovery from a first infection. A total of 8 viral RNAs from the patients’ respiratory specimens were obtained, which allowed us to characterize the differences between viral genomes from initial infection and positive retest.The serology status for total Ig, IgG, and IgM against SARS-CoV-2 was also determined and followed after the first infection. Results: We confirmed through whole-genome sequencing of the viral samples that all 4 cases experienced a reinfection event. The interval between the 2 infection events ranged between 45 and 141 days, and symptoms were milder in the second infection for 2 patients and more severe for the remaining 2 patients. Reinfection occurred in all 4 patients despite the presence of antibodies in 3 of them. Conclusion: This study adds to the rapidly growing evidence of COVID-19 reinfection, where viral sequences were used to confirm infection by distinct isolates of SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs. These findings suggest that individuals who are exposed to different SARS-CoV-2 variants might not acquire sufficiently protective immunity through natural infection and emphasize the necessity of their vaccination and the regular follow-up of their immune status both in quantitative and qualitative terms.

【 授权许可】

Unknown