Abstract
BackgroundThe coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 is currently spreading rapidly worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the dynamic profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospitalized patients that would characterize the period of viral shedding and detection among patients.MethodsRetrospectively, 103 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients hospitalized at Jaber hospital in Kuwait were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained at different time intervals and analyzed by Real-Time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsOf 103 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the median age was 41 years, and 64% were male. The median period from admission to the positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test was 19 days (IQR, 13–22). The median period from admission to active negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test result was 22 days (IQR, 16–26). Older patients, patients with comorbidities, and patients with symptoms were more likely to have extended viral shedding.ConclusionFor the first time, this descriptive study conducted in Kuwait on SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results from 103 patients positive for SARS-provided solid proof and a good understanding of the dynamic profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients in Kuwait. This information will further enrich the global knowledge on the emerging SARS-CoV-2.
Highlights
The coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 is currently spreading rapidly worldwide
All enrolled patients were SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed cases, and the patients with signs of COVID-19 had a confirmed diagnosis according to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 from the Ministry of Health in Kuwait and the interim guidance from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [6]
Demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population A total of 103 patients identified as SARS-CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR test were included in this study
Summary
The coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 is currently spreading rapidly worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the dynamic profile of SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospitalized patients that would characterize the period of viral shedding and detection among patients. Data on SARS-CoV-2 detection at different time points of an infection, including those without any symptoms, will help interpret the RT-PCR test results and to determine the period of viral shedding. Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to date, this study’s data will help inform Kuwait public health authorities on the right and convenient protocols for quarantine, contact tracing, and isolation. This retrospective study aimed to study the dynamic profile of SARS-CoV-2 among infected patients hospitalized in Kuwait and determine the influence of demographic factors on it
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