Distinctive COVID-19 manifestations and re-exposure to SARS CoV 2 in clinical laboratory personnel under regular monitoring by RT-PCR and serology

Clinical laboratory personnel (CLP) present a unique opportunity to investigate distinct forms of COVID-19 as they are under constant testing for SARS CoV 2 infection. SARS CoV 2 RNA and antibodies were routinely investigated over a 5-month period in 26 professionals from a clinical laboratory in RJ, Brazil. Of them, three (11.5%) CLP presented the following peculiar COVID-19 manifestations: 2/26 (7.7%) had SARS CoV 2 antibodies without RNA detection during the follow-up, with a possible re-exposure in one case, and 1/26 (3.8%) a confirmed reinfection with RNA detection, and possibly a third re-exposure. Based on a long follow-up of SARS CoV 2 infection in CLP, this study showed that cases of COVID-19 without RNA detection are not common, but it does indicate the risk of re-exposure after the fall of antibody levels. Although scarcely reported, the investigation of less frequent forms of COVID-19 is relevant, given the lack of knowledge of its impact on the pandemic