Reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.7 variant in an immunocompromised adolescent

To the Editor—Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in >137 million cases globally and >31 million cases in the United States. The infection control and prevention practitioners review all cases with repeat positive SARS-CoV-2 results and follow the CDC common investigation protocol for cases of possible SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, including genomic sequencing.6 SARS-CoV-2 testing Testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA was performed using the RealStar SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kit (Altona Diagnostics, Hamburg-Altona, Germany), which has US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization (EUA) and detects the E and S genes of SARS-CoV-2.8 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing Viral transport media specimens from archived SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were extracted for viral RNA (Allprep PowerViral DNA/RNA kit, Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Reinfection occurred shortly after the B.1.1.7 variant was first reported in Texas.4 Our case emphasizes the importance of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence surveillance, not only for public health response but also for hospital infection control and prevention.