Department of Infectious Diseases and Diagnosis, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Pastor Square, Ethiopia
Research Article
The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination Status on RT-PCR Ct Values: A Comprehensive Study
Author(s): Abebe M Aga*, Demise Mulugeta, Jemal Mohammed, Anberber Alemu, Yewenshet Tesera, Dereje Nigussei, Bedasa Gidisa, Jaleta Bulti, Frehiwot Mulugeta, Atsbeha Gebreegziabxier and Gemechu Tadesse
During COVID-19 pandemic, efficient management relies on accurate diagnostic methods, especially by comparing outcomes for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, is essential. This study aims to evaluate clinical assessments, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT), and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) outcomes, focusing particularly on the relationship between vaccination status and RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values. The study involved 453 suspected COVID-19 cases from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data on clinical symptoms, RDT and RT-PCR outcomes were collected. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken for both RDT and RT-PCR, following standard protocols. RDTs were conducted on-site, while RT-PCR tests were performed at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) genomics laboratory. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation and chi-square tests to explore a.. View more»