Features of fragile people with SARS-CoV-2 infection in isolation in a COVID-19 hotel in Rome, Italy

C. Stingone, A. Latini, L. Gianserra, M. Salvi, M.G. Donà, E. Giuliani, I. Lesnoni La Parola, A. Mussi, N. Cameli, V. Garelli, M. Giuliani, A.R. Buonomini, B. Vujovic, M. Cerimele, A. Morrone

STI/HIV Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy. mariagabriella.dona@ifo.it

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• Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: Temporary COVID-19 hotels have been established in Italy to assist the homeless people that test positive for SARS-CoV-2 and require isolation. This observational study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the subjects who were isolated at the Casa tra Noi COVID-19 hotel in Rome between October 2020 and May 2021 and to estimate the duration of SARS-CoV-2 positivity according to their main socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical features.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Socio-demographic data, clinical history, and anamnestic data of guests were collected by the clinicians reviewing the medical documentation and face-to-face interviewing. Nasopharyngeal swabs were performed every 7 days and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 was assessed by RT-PCR. Median duration of SARS-CoV-2 positivity according to socio-demographic, behavioral factors and clinical condition was calculated.

RESULTS: The 196 guests (161 males, 82.1%) had a median age of 41 years (IQR: 30-53), and were mostly African (87, 44.4%). Only asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic infections were observed. Almost half of the individuals (84, 42.9%) were affected by at least one co-morbidity, the frequency of which was higher among women (57.1% vs. 39.8%, p=0.06). The date of the negative SARS-CoV-2 molecular test was known for 144 guests (73.5%). Among these, the median duration of positivity was 21 days (IQR: 14-26) and did not significantly vary with age, country of origin, smoking status, alcohol or drug abuse. Among the co-morbidities, only infectious diseases significantly modified the duration of positivity, which increased from 21 to 34 days (p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS: Hotel guests were frequently affected by physical/mental co-morbidities. Duration of SARS-CoV-2 positivity was significantly prolonged only in individuals affected by an infectious disease.

 

This article has been corrected on May 27, 2022. Erratum notice in: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26 (10): 3407-3407.

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