A Case Series of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in Elite Athletes

Gábor Áron Fülöp (), Bálint Lakatos, Mihály Ruppert, Attila Kovács, Vencel Juhász, Gábor Dér, András Tállay, Hajnalka Vágó, Boldizsár Kiss, Béla Merkely and Endre Zima
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Gábor Áron Fülöp: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Bálint Lakatos: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Mihály Ruppert: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Attila Kovács: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Vencel Juhász: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Gábor Dér: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
András Tállay: Department of Sports Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Hajnalka Vágó: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Boldizsár Kiss: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Béla Merkely: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
Endre Zima: The Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-7

Abstract: Objectives: The actual frequency and the risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is still a matter of intense scientific discussion. In this case series, we report three elite athletes who underwent COVID-19 reinfection with a short time frame. Case presentations: As a part of contact tracing, three speed skaters (22-, 24-, and 29-year-old males) were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Later on, only one of the athletes experienced mild symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of smell and taste and subfebrility, while the other two athletes were asymptomatic. Following the quarantine period, detailed return-to-play examinations, including laboratory testing, ECG, 24-h Holter monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, revealed no apparent abnormality; therefore, the athletes restarted training. After a median of 74 days, all three athletes presented with typical symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, marked fatigue and headache. SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were performed again, showing recurrent positivity. Repeated return-to-play assessments were initiated, finding no relevant abnormality. Athletes were also tested for SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleoprotein antibody titers, showing only modest increases following the second infection. Conclusions: We report a small cluster of elite athletes who underwent a PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. According to these findings, athletes may be considered as a high-risk group in terms of recurrent COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; athletes; reinfection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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