Researchers Report First Case of Coronavirus Reinfection

covid pandemic virus reinfection research

The first case of someone being reinfected with coronavirus has been reported by researchers in Hong Kong.

The findings could have significant implications for the development of vaccines and what is known about natural immunity against Covid-19.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong\’s department of microbiology said that an \”apparently young and healthy patient had a second episode of Covid-19 infection which was diagnosed 4.5 months after the first episode\”.

They added that the case illustrates reinfection can occur a few months after recovery from the first infection.

The man had no symptoms – was asymptomatic – during the second infection which was picked up by screening tests on returning passengers at Hong Kong airport.

Genetic sequencing of the virus showed he was infected twice by different strains of Covid-19, the researchers said.

They added that the findings suggest SARS-CoV-2 may persist in the global human population as is the case for other common-cold associated human coronaviruses, even if patients have acquired immunity via natural infection.

Therefore, people with previous Covid-19 infection should comply with control measures like wearing face coverings and social distancing.

One of the researchers, Dr Kelvin Kai-Wang To, clinical associate professor, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU, said: \”This case shows that patients recovered from Covid-19 can get reinfected.

\”Therefore, the immunity against Covid-19 is not lifelong. \”

He added: \”Reinfection is likely occurring elsewhere. Our case was asymptomatic and was diagnosed because of screening at the airport.\”

In a statement the university said: \”Since the immunity can be short lasting after natural infection, vaccination should also be considered for those with one episode of infection.\”

The study has been accepted by medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, but the full research is yet to be published.

However experts in the UK have said it is too early to say what the single case may mean on a global scale.

Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: \”With over three million cases of Covid-19 worldwide, the first reported case of a potential reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 needs to be taken into context.

\”It appears that the young and healthy adult has been reinfected with a slight SARS-CoV-2 variant from the initial infection three months previously.

\”It is to be expected that the virus will naturally mutate over time. This is a very rare example of reinfection and it should not negate the global drive to develop Covid-19 vaccines.\”