Early SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections Involving the Same or Different Genomic Lineages, Spain

• DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.221696
• Publication Date: 2023-05-16T17:40:36Z
• Authors: Cristina Rodrígue...; Agustín Estévez; Rosalía Palomino-...; Andrea Molero-Sal...; Daniel Peñas-Utrilla; Marta Herranz; Amadeo Sanz-Pérez; Luis Alcalá; Cristina Veintimilla; Pilar Catalán; Carolina Martínez...; Roberto Alonso; Patricia Muñoz; Laura Pérez-Lago; Darío García de V...
• Keywords: Lineage (genetic); 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines consider SARS-CoV-2 reinfection when sequential COVID-19 episodes occur >90 days apart. However, genomic diversity acquired over recent waves could mean previous infection provides insufficient cross-protection. We used analysis to assess the percentage of early reinfections in a sample 26 patients with 2 separated by 20-45 days. Among sampled patients, 11 (42%) had involving different variants or subvariants. Another 4 cases were probable reinfections; 3 involved strains from same lineage sublineage. Host confirmed specimens belonged patient. all reinfections, 36.4% non-Omicron, then Omicron lineages. Early showed no specific clinical patterns; 45% among unvaccinated incompletely vaccinated persons, 27% persons <18 years age, 64% risk factors. Time between positive PCRs should be re-evaluated.