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No SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in the convalescent plasma of COVID-19 patients with different disease severity

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiac.2021.01.004Get rights and content

Abstract

Introduction

Convalescent plasma transfusion (CPT), a potential therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), requires strict quality control of the donor blood. Whether to confirm the disappearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA (RNAemia) in convalescent donor blood or not is unclear. Reports recommending the proof of viral disappearance from the blood are controversial. Foreseeing CPT in treating COVID-19 patients in Japan, we investigated RNAemia in 100 convalescent donors with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19.

Methods

Between April 30 and July 30, 2020, we measured RNAemia in the plasma samples of donors with resolved COVID-19. Data on patients’ demographics, comorbidities, pneumonia, treatment, and real-time polymerase chain reaction results for SARS-CoV-2 were collected. Date of onset of initial symptoms or date of positive testing (for asymptomatic patients) were self-reported by the patients. Disease severity was defined as: no, mild, moderate oxygen demand, or severe (requiring mechanical ventilation).

Results

Of 100 donors (58 males [58.0%]; median age, 47 [range 22–69] years) screened as of July 30, 2020, 77 (77.0%); 19 (19.0%); and 4 (4.0%) had mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively. Median time between onset and testing was 68.5 (range, 21–167) days. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in any of the plasma samples.

Conclusion

RNAemia was not found in recovered COVID-19 patients at least 21, 27, and 57 days after the onset of mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Our study may contribute to determining a suitable time for collecting convalescent plasma from COVID-19 patients and to future CPT use.

Keywords

Coronavirus 2019
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
RNA
Convalescent plasma
Passive immunization

Abbreviations

COVID-19
coronavirus disease 2019
CPT
convalescent plasma transfusion
FDA
the U.S. Food and DrugAdministration
JRC
Japanese Red Cross Society
NCGM
National Center for Global Health and Medicine
NIID
National Institute ofInfectious Disease
SARS-CoV-2
severe acuterespiratory syndromecoronavirus 2
SNS
social networking services

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