COVID-19 Reinfection and its Diagnostic Approach

Abstract

COVID-19 caused by Coronavirus strain “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2)” has been responsible for the significant threat to the world and its pandemic has become the most important matter of concern in health care systems. The cases of reinfection with virus have been noted in the patients after the discharge. The lack of reporting of COVID-19 virus in asymptomatic cases of reinfection was observed on basis of various studies. Genetically distinct SARS-CoV-2 rules out persistent viral shedding or reactivation. There is not any protocol for the diagnosis of reinfection on the basis of single specimen, therefore it has been advised to test Paired specimens for the diagnosis of reinfection. To minimize the spread of transmission of virus in India, certain necessary steps of prevention has been taken by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), India. For the control of the COVID-19, the surges in awareness along with guidelines have been posed as a part of preventive measure in the country. The protocol for diagnosis of reinfection is needed to combat the problem. This is a review article to study the diagnostic approach and diagnostic criteria of reinfection after few cases were studied so far with Indian Scenario. The whole genome sequencing done in these patients provide valuable evidence for reinfection.