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

OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.