The SARS-CoV-2 RNA with mild pulmonary consolidation lasts longer in non-severe COVID-19 patients: an observational study

Abstract Background: Since December 2019, COVID-19 has rapidly swept the world. It is particularly important to understand the dynamic changes of the whole disease course of non-severe patients from the onset to the follow-up after discharge.Methods: On February 1, 2020, 18 cases of non-severe COVID-19 appeared in a hospital in Beijing. All patients were SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive by RT-PCR for pharyngeal swabs. We recorded the clinical information and viral dynamics of these patients from the onset of the disease to 2 months after discharge. According to the severity of lung consolidation, 18 patients were divided into two groups (mild pulmonary consolidation group [imaging score ≤10]; severe pulmonary consolidation group [imaging score >10]).Results: Eighteen patients (median age 43) were included, including 14 females. Fever (11/18) and cough (8/18) were the most common symptoms. The duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive in mild pulmonary consolidation group was significantly longer than severe pulmonary consolidation group (the median time was 30 days and 13 days, respectively, P= 0.0031). Two months after discharge, almost all patients were followed up for IgM antibody disappearance and IgG antibody production.Conclusion: In non-severe COVID-19 patients, the positive duration of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in patients with mild pulmonary consolidation was longer than the severe pulmonary consolidation. However, it is necessary for a large sample to verify our conclusions.