Rapid Viral Diagnosis and Ambulatory Management of Suspected COVID-19 Cases Presenting at the Infectious Diseases Referral Hospital in Marseille, France, - January 31st to March 1st, 2020: A Respiratory Virus Snapshot

 
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Date
2020-03-20
Author
Amrane, S, et al. IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.
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Abstract
Background: Rapid virological diagnosis is needed to limit the length of isolation for suspected COVID-19 cases. Method: We managed the first 280 patients suspected to have COVID-19 through a rapid care circuit and virological diagnosis in our infectious disease reference hospital in Marseille, France. Rapid viral detection was performed on sputum and nasopharyngeal samples. Results: Over our study period, no SARS-CoV-2 was detected. Results were obtained within approximately three hours of the arrival of patient samples at the laboratory. Other viral infections were identified in 49% of the patients, with most common pathogens being influenza A and B viruses, rhinovirus, metapneumovirus and common coronaviruses, notably HKU1 and NL63. Conclusion: Early recognition of COVID-19 is critical to isolate confirmed cases and prevent further transmission. Early rule-out of COVID-19 allows public health containment measures to be adjusted by reducing the time spent in isolation
URI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101632
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