Analysis of real-time RT-PCR and rapid antigen test and its correlation with clinical characteristics, investigation profile, and imaging of SARI-suspected COVID-19 infections
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a significant global public health issue. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to describe the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical presentations, inflammatory biomarkers, and chest computed tomography (CT) findin...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2024-07-01
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| Series: | MGM Journal of Medical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/mgmj/fulltext/2024/11030/analysis_of_real_time_rt_pcr_and_rapid_antigen.14.aspx |
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| Summary: | Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a significant global public health issue.
Aims and Objectives:
This study aims to describe the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical presentations, inflammatory biomarkers, and chest computed tomography (CT) findings of patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) at a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, India. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate different COVID-19 diagnostic methods.
Materials and Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, India. All admitted SARI patients underwent COVID-19 testing. Data on demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory investigations, and outcomes at 72 h were collected. COVID-19 diagnostic methods were also analyzed.
Statistical Analysis:
The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9.5.
Results:
Among the 830 patients studied, 305 tested positive for COVID-19. The rapid antigen test (RAT) demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.85% and a specificity of 97.43% compared to the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Discrepancies with RAT results were noted in cases with higher cycle threshold (Ct) values (>25). A male predominance was observed, with a mean age of 43.30 ± 15.19 years in the COVID-19-positive group and 40.95 ± 17.15 years in the COVID-19-negative group. Patients with multiple comorbidities (15.68%) had a higher susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19-positive group showed a significantly elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P = 0.0001) and thrombocytopenia (P = 0.001). Inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP, LDH, ferritin, D-dimer, and IL-6, were markedly elevated in swab-positive cases. Bilateral chest involvement and ground glass opacities were common radiological findings in both groups.
Conclusion:
In resource-limited settings, the RAT is considered an alternative screening tool for COVID-19. Initial laboratory and radiological investigations may aid clinicians in effective management of such patients. |
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| ISSN: | 2347-7962 |