Study of the Plasma and Buffy Coat in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection-A Preliminary Report

Identifier:  imarina:9225161

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9225161

Authors:  Pena, Karla B; Riu, Francesc; Guma, Josep; Guilarte, Carmen; Pique, Berta; Hernandez, Anna; Avila, Alba; Parra, Sandra; Castro, Antoni; Rovira, Conxita; Cueto, Pitter; Vallverdu, Immaculada; Parada, David

Abstract:
The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection affects many aspects of public health knowledge, science, and practice around the world. Several studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 RNA in plasma seems to be associated with a worse prognosis of COVID-19. In the present study, we investigated plasma and buffy RNA in patients with COVID-19 to determine its prognostic value. A prospective study was carried out in patients hospitalized for COVID-19, in which RNA was analyzed in plasma and the buffy coat. Morphological and immunohistochemical studies were used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the buffy coat. In COVID-19 patients, the obtained RNA concentration in plasma was 448.3 +/- 31.30 ng/mL. Of all the patients with positive plasma tests for SARS-CoV-2, 46.15% died from COVID-19. In four cases, tests revealed that SARS-CoV-2 was present in the buffy coat. Abnormal morphology of monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils was found. An immunohistochemical study showed positivity in mononuclear cells and platelets. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is present in the plasma. This facilitates viral dissemination and migration to specific organs, where SARS-CoV-2 infects target cells by binding to their receptors. In our study, the presence of plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA was correlated with worse prognoses.