EVALUATION OF PROLONGED RT-PCR POSITIVITY AND VIRAL LOAD IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aim: Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is used in the diagnosis of COVID-19. It was aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the viral conversion time, to examine the relationship between viral load, and to determine other factors that may be associated with viral load. Material and Methods: Patients were hospitalized between 15.03.2020-01.08.2020, and viral conversion detected were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two according to viral conversion time (0-14 days vs >14 days). Results: 349 patients were included in the study (284 vs 65 patients). The age and gender characteristics were similar. Prolonged PCR positivity group had more death (p=0.036) and lower cycle-threshold (CT) value (p=0.017). In the examination of CT values of 246 patients, 228 patients with viral conversion and 18 patients without viral conversion due to death, the CT value was found to be lower, therefore the viral load was higher in patients over 60 years of age (p=0.006), in the presence of cardiovascular system disease (p<0.001) and in patients who died (p<0.001). Conclusion: Prolonged PCR positivity may indicate excess viral load and adverse outcomes. An evaluation including the patient's age, CT value, comorbid conditions, and viral conversion time can give an idea about the prognosis.