Correlation of SARS-CoV2 Viral Growth on Cultures, Ct Values, SARS-CoV-2 Variant and Vaccination Status in Asymptomatic, Pre-Symptomatic and Post-Infection Asymptomatic COVID Patients

Abstract Introduction/Objective COVID-19 large scale immunizations have helped control the infectious spread, but breakthrough infections are still observed and some of these patients remain asymptomatic. In this study, we compared viral growth characteristics with vaccination status in asymptomatic patients. Methods/Case Report We searched our institutional laboratory database for infected delta variant (November-December 2021, n=65) omicron (December n=68), that were further classified as “truly asymptomatic”, “pre-symptomatic” “post-infection asymptomatic” based on detailed chart reviews. The patients’ left-over nasopharyngeal swab samples’ cycle threshold values recovery virus cell culture compared. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) cohort, out 65 patients, 36 truly asymptomatic, 26 presymptomatic 3 post infection 68 45 23 rate was 59% (delta cohort=56%, cohort=62%), 55% cohort=50%, cohort=61%) 67% post-infection cohort only). There no significant difference Ct (mean Ct=21.08), Ct=20.30) Ct=20.84) combined (p=0.78) (p=0.95) or (p=0.45) subcohorts. not correlated (vaccinated mean Ct=20.56, non-vaccinated Ct=20.16, p=0.68). Samples positive cultures had significantly lower Ct= 17.16), to samples negative results 24.61) (p<0.0001). associated symptom status, SARS-CoV-2 type vs omicron) Conclusion Our findings show there is correlation between loads