Viral Load Dynamics in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Breakthrough Infections.

Dewald, Felix; Detmer, Susanne; Pirkl, Martin; Hellmich, Martin; Heger, Eva; Herrmann, Maximilian; Lehmann, Clara; Zweigner, Janine et al. · J Infect Dis · 2022

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

To determine viral dynamics in Omicron breakthrough infections, we measured severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA in 206 double-vaccinated or boostered individuals. During the first 3 days following the onset of symptoms, viral loads were significantly higher (cycle threshold [Ct], 21.76) in vaccinated compared to boostered (Ct, 23.14) individuals (P = .029). However, by performing a longitudinal analysis on 32 individuals over 14 days, no difference in the viral load trajectory was observed between double-vaccinated and boostered patients. Our results indicate that booster immunization results in a reduction in detectable viral loads without significantly changing viral load dynamics over time.

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