Factors associated with prolonged viral RNA shedding in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Background. An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is becoming a public health emergency. Data are limited on the duration and host factors related to viral shedding. Methods. In this retrospective study, risk factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) RNA shedding were evaluated in a cohort of 113 symptomatic patients from 2 hospitals outside Wuhan. Results. The median (interquartile range) duration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection was 17 (13-22) days as measured from illness onset. When comparing patients with early (<15 days) and late (≥15 days after illness onset) viral RNA clearance, prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding was associated with male sex (P =.009), old age (P =.033), concomitant hypertension (P =.009), delayed admission to hospital after illness onset (P =.001), severe illness at admission (P =.049), invasive mechanical ventilation (P =.006), and corticosteroid treatment (P =.025). Patients with longer SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding duration had slower recovery of body temperature (P