Abstract
Background: Nucleic acid detection and CT scanning have been reported in COVID-19 diagnosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of IgM and IgG testing for the diagnosis of highly suspected COVID-19.Methods: A total of 63 patients with suspected COVID-19 were observed, 57 of whom were enrolled (24 males and 33 females). The selection was based on the diagnosis and treatment protocol for COVID-19 (trial Sixth Edition) released by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Patients were divided into positive and negative groups according to the first nucleic acid results from pharyngeal swab tests. Routine blood tests were detected on the second day after each patient was hospitalized. The remaining serum samples were used for detection of novel coronavirus-specific IgM/IgG antibodies.Results: The rate of COVID-19 nucleic acid positivity was 42.10%. The positive detection rates with a combination of IgM and IgG testing for patients with COVID-19 negative and positive nucleic acid test results were 72.73 and 87.50%, respectively.Conclusions: We report a rapid, simple, and accurate detection method for patients with suspected COVID-19 and for on-site screening for close contacts within the population. IgM and IgG antibody detection can identify COVID-19 after a negative nucleic acid test. Diagnostic accuracy of COVID-19 might be improved by nucleic acid testing in patients with a history of epidemic disease or with clinical symptoms, as well as CT scans when necessary, and serum-specific IgM and IgG antibody testing after the window period.
Highlights
IntroductionCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause colds and more serious diseases [1]
COVID-19 was named by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020
The 95% confidence intervals for IgM and IgG were 0.44–0.88 U/L and 0.50–1.02 U/L, respectively. These results provided by Beijing Diagreat Biotechnologies Co., Ltd. suggested that the cutoffs for IgM and IgG were 0.88 and 1.02 U/L
Summary
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause colds and more serious diseases [1]. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus strain that had not previously been found in humans. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, shortness of breath, and dyspnea. Infection can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Many symptoms can be managed and must be treated according to the clinical situation of each patient. The main routes of transmission of COVID-19 are respiratory droplets and contact transmission. Aerosol and fecal-oral routes of transmission must be further clarified. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of IgM and IgG testing for the diagnosis of highly suspected COVID-19
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
