MOLECULAR DETECTION OF SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS-2, AN EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL MALIR

Authors

  • Fatima Sana Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Muhammad Yasir Rafiq Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Abeera Ahmad Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Hamid Jamal SiddiquI Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Shagufta Yousaf Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Fawad Sana Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Aysha Khan Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

Keywords:

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Abstract

Objective: To share our experience related to molecular detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in COVID-19 suspected patients reported at CMH Malir.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Pathology Laboratory of Combined Military Hospital Malir, from March to May 2020.

Methodology: Individuals with signs and symptoms of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and asymptomatic patients with history of having close contact to confirmed COVID-19 patients or travelling history were considered for SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Total of 1330 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for qualitative detection of COVID-19 viral RNA by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.

Results: Out of 1330 tests, 74 patients were found to be SARS-CoV 2 PCR positive. Average age of patients was 30.45 ± 31.9 years with predominance of 55 (74.3%) male patients. Within 74 patients, six (8%) died in age group ≥ 40 years. Time duration of positive PCR after initial positive PCR varied between 8 days to 45 days.

Conclusion: In this study, we noticed male predominance as they are more exposed to outside environment and susceptible to acquire the virus. Therefore, they were screened in majority. Also, we need a reliable and globally accepted test like SARS COV-2 RT-PCR for early detection of both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. This will help us in taking appropriate steps to prevent its spread further.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

07-08-2020

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Sana F, Rafiq MY, Ahmad A, SiddiquI HJ, Yousaf S, Sana F, et al. MOLECULAR DETECTION OF SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS-2, AN EXPERIENCE OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL MALIR. Pak Armed Forces Med J [Internet]. 2020 Aug. 7 [cited 2024 Nov. 25];70(1):S316-20. Available from: https://pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/4925