Viral dynamics of Omicron and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants with implications for timing of release from isolation: a longitudinal cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In January 2022, United States guidelines shifted to recommend isolation for 5 days from symptom onset, followed by 5 days of mask wearing. However, viral dynamics and variant and vaccination impact on culture conversion are largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study on a university campus, collecting daily anterior nasal swabs for at least 10 days for RT-PCR and culture, with antigen rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) on a subset. We compared culture positivity beyond day 5, time to culture conversion, and cycle threshold trend when calculated from diagnostic test, from symptom onset, by SARS-CoV-2 variant, and by vaccination status. We evaluated sensitivity and specificity of RDT on days 4-6 compared to culture.

Results

Among 92 SARS-CoV-2 RT-

SUBMITTER: Bouton TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9278204 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature