biostudies-literatureUnknown226(5)Veyrenche NUniversity of MontpellierMuse I-SITE Program GrantMontpellier University Hospital<h4>Background</h4>Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid antigen (N-Ag) can be detected in the blood of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We used a highly sensitive and specific assay to explore the presence of N-Ag in urine during the course of COVID-19 and its relationship with the severity of disease.<h4>Methods</h4>We studied urinary and plasma N-Ag using a highly sensitive immunoassay in 82 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection proved by polymerase chain reaction.<h4>Results</h4>In the first and second weeks of COVID-19, hospitalized patients tested positive for urinary N-Ag (81.25% and 71.79%, respectively) and plasma N-Ag (93.75% and 94.87%, respectively). High urinary N-Ag levels were associated with the absence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies, admission in intensive care units, high C-reactive protein levels, lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and high lactate dehydrogenase levels. Higher accuracy was observed for urinary N-Ag as a predictor of severe COVID-19 than for plasma N-Ag.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our study demonstrates that N-Ag is present in the urine of patients hospitalized in the early phase of COVID-19. As a direct marker of SARS-CoV-2, urinary N-Ag reflects the dissemination of viral compounds in the body. Urinary N-Ag may be a useful marker for disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infections.The Journal of infectious diseases812-821https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8903449biostudies-literatureSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Nucleocapsid Antigen in Urine of Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019.PMC8903449Van de Perre PBollore KNiel CVeyrenche NAlcocer-Cordellat CPisoni ALe Moing VMakinson ADebiesse STuaillon EBedin ASMondain AMfalseSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Nucleocapsid Antigen in Urine of Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019.<h4>Background</h4>Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid antigen (N-Ag) can be detected in the blood of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We used a highly sensitive and specific assay to explore the presence of N-Ag in urine during the course of COVID-19 and its relationship with the severity of disease.<h4>Methods</h4>We studied urinary and plasma N-Ag using a highly sensitive immunoassay in 82 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection proved by polymerase chain reaction.<h4>Results</h4>In the first and second weeks of COVID-19, hospitalized patients tested positive for urinary N-Ag (81.25% and 71.79%, respectively) and plasma N-Ag (93.75% and 94.87%, respectively). High urinary N-Ag levels were associated with the absence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies, admission in intensive care units, high C-reactive protein levels, lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and high lactate dehydrogenase levels. Higher accuracy was observed for urinary N-Ag as a predictor of severe COVID-19 than for plasma N-Ag.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our study demonstrates that N-Ag is present in the urine of patients hospitalized in the early phase of COVID-19. As a direct marker of SARS-CoV-2, urinary N-Ag reflects the dissemination of viral compounds in the body. Urinary N-Ag may be a useful marker for disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infections.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Sep2025-04-21T23:14:44.584Z2025-02-19T03:58:52.115ZS-EPMC89034493523045010.1093/infdis/jiac073