# Cycle Threshold (Ct) Value Trends in COVID‐19: Analyzing Gender, Age, and Severity Factors Across Major Waves in India

## TL;DR

The study shows how Ct values from RT-PCR tests in India changed over time and with age and gender, linking lower Ct values to higher viral loads and more severe outbreaks.

## Contribution

The paper provides new insights into Ct value trends across demographic and temporal factors in India's major COVID-19 waves.

## Key findings

- Ct values were highest in the first wave, lowest in the second, and increased again in the third wave.
- Children had the highest Ct values, while the elderly had the lowest.
- Females showed lower Ct values than males, suggesting hormonal or immunity differences.

## Abstract

This study investigates the variations in cycle threshold (Ct) values from RT‐PCR tests across different COVID‐19 waves, age groups, and genders to assess their correlation with viral load, disease severity, and epidemiological indicators in India.

We analysed a data set of 53,485 confirmed COVID‐19 cases, categorizing Ct values across three major COVID‐19 waves, age groups, and genders. Non‐parametric statistical tests were applied to compare Ct values, and linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between Ct values and COVID‐19 epidemiological indicators.

Ct values varied significantly across COVID‐19 waves, with the highest values in the first wave, the lowest in the second, and intermediate values in the third. Children exhibited the highest Ct values, while the elderly had the lowest. Females showed significantly lower Ct values than males. A negative correlation was observed between Ct values and COVID‐19 cases and deaths, indicating that lower Ct values reflected higher viral loads and more severe outbreaks.

These findings highlight Ct values as a useful predictive marker for viral load and disease severity. Monitoring Ct values can enhance public health strategies by informing pandemic response efforts and resource allocation.

(1) Analysis of 53,485 COVID‐19 cases show significant variations in Ct values over temporal, demographic and and epidemiological variables. (2) Ct values were highest in 1st wave, lowest in 2nd, and increased again in 3rd wave. (3) Ct values decrease with age with children shows highest and elderly lowest values. (4) Females show lower Ct than males suggesting potential hormones or immunity influence. (5) Ct values shows significant negative correlation with rising cases and deaths.