An analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral load by patient age

by Terry C. Jones​1,2​, Barbara Mühlemann​1,3​, Talitha Veith​1,3​, Marta Zuchowski​4​, Jörg Hofmann​4​,Angela Stein​4​, Anke Edelmann​4​, Victor Max Corman​1,3​, Christian Drosten​1,3

Abstract

Data on viral load, as estimated by real-time RT-PCR threshold cycle values from 3,712COVID-19 patients were analysed to examine the relationship between patient age andSARS-CoV-2 viral load. Analysis of variance of viral loads in patients of different age categoriesfound no significant difference between any pair of age categories including children. Inparticular, these data indicate that viral loads in the very young do not differ significantly fromthose of adults. Based on these results, we have to caution against an unlimited re-opening ofschools and kindergartens in the present situation. Children may be as infectious as adults. more...