Temporal Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Household Contacts: Divergences Between Time to First Positive Test, Symptom Onset, and Maximum Viral Load
These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA is detectable before symptom onset, and emphasize the need for testing immediately after exposure with repeated testing in the first week. This study provides critical insights into the temporal interplay of viral kinetics, aiding the development of targeted diagnostic and public health interventions. Further research is needed to validate these findings across larger, diverse cohorts and evolving viral variants. Testing immediately after exposure, with repeat testing during the first week may improve case detection.
Authors
- Daniel A. Jarem (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6190-1441)
- Priscilla Moonsamy
- Tuna Toptan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5399-9263)
- Ana Groh
- Sandra Ciesek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1802-7565)
- Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0446-3224)
- Alison Kuchta
- Annemarie Berger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4612-4290)
- Jesse A. Canchola
- Damian Diaz
Institutions
- Goethe University Frankfurt (DE)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (DE)
- Department of Virology (FR)
- Materials Systems (United States) (US)
- University Hospital Frankfurt (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Infectious Diseases and Therapy
- Published
- 2025-09-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s40121-025-01235-x
- Primary Topic
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00