Viral RNA load as determined by cell culture as a management tool for discharge of SARS-CoV-2 patients from infectious disease wards

In a preliminary clinical study, we observed that the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin was effective against SARS-CoV-2 by shortening the duration of viral load in Covid-19 patients. It is of paramount importance to define when a treated patient can be considered as no longer contagious. Correlation between successful isolation of virus in cell culture and Ct value of quantitative RT-PCR targeting E gene suggests that patients with Ct above 33-34 using our RT-PCR system are not contagious and thus can be discharged from hospital care or strict confinement for non-hospitalized patients.

• AN
  Agence Nationale de la Recherche

  Awards: Infection 10-IAHU-03, Méditerranée Infection 10-IAHU-03, 10-IAHU-03
• CR
  Conseil Régional Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• C
  CHIST-ERA