Genomic Evidence for a Case of Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The degree of protective immunity conferred by infection with SARS-CoV-2 is currently unknown. As such, the possibility of reinfection with this virus is not well understood. Herein, we describe the data from an investigation of two instances of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the same individual. Through nucleic acid sequence analysis, the viruses associated with each instance of infection were found to possess a degree of genetic discordance that cannot be explained reasonably through short-term in vivo evolution. We conclude that it is possible for humans to become infected multiple times by SARS-CoV-2, but the generalizability of this finding is not known.

Note: Funding: Grants from the National Institute of General MEdical Sciences (GM103440 and GM104944) from the National Institutes of Health.
br> Declaration of Interest: None to declare

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, reinfection, genetic