Virus-specific RNA and antibody from convalescent-phase SARS patients discharged from hospital.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In a longitudinal cross-sectional study, we determined the prevalence of virus in bodily excretions and time of seroconversion in discharged patients with SARS. Conjunctival, throat, stool, and urine specimens were collected weekly from 64 patients and tested for SARS-CoV RNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction; serum samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV antibody with indirect enzyme immunoassay and immunofluorescence assay. In total, 126 conjunctival, 124 throat swab, 116 stool, and 124 urine specimens were analyzed. Five patients had positive stool samples, collected in weeks 5-9. Two patients seroconverted in weeks 7 and 8; the others were seropositive at the first serum sample collection. In this study, 5 (7.8%) of 64 patients continued to shed viral RNA in stool samples only, for up to week 8 of illness. Most seroconversions occurred by week 6 of illness.
Leong
Hoe Nam
HN
Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433. hoe_nam@yahoo.com.sg
Chan
Kwai Peng
KP
Khan
Ali S
AS
Oon
Lynette
L
Se-Thoe
Su Yun
SY
Bai
Xin Lai
XL
Yeo
Daniel
D
Leo
Yee Sin
YS
Ang
Brenda
B
Ksiazek
Thomas G
TG
Ling
Ai Ee
AE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D003289:Convalescence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D045473:Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / Q000276:immunology; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D012367:RNA, Viral