Addressing bias in the definition of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: implications for underestimation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Reinfections are increasingly becoming a feature in the epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, accurately defining reinfection poses methodological challenges. Conventionally, reinfection is defined as a positive test occurring at least 90 days after a previous infection diagnosis. Yet, this extended time window may lead to an underestimation of reinfection occurrences. This study investigated the prospect of adopting an alternative, shorter time window for defining reinfection.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted to assess the incidence of reinfections in the total population of Qatar, from February 28, 2020 to November 20, 2023. The assessment considered a range of time windows for defining reinf

SUBMITTER: Chemaitelly H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10961414 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature