Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in anal/rectal swabs and stool specimens in COVID-19 patients after negative conversion in nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a rapidly escalating pandemic that has spread to many parts of the world. Current data available on COVID‐19 would suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is shed through the gastrointestinal system via feces. Some reports further indicate that a subset of COVID‐19 patients may continue to have positive SARS‐CoV‐2 anal/rectal swab and stool test after negative conversion of nasopharyngeal test. This paper analyses current literature to so as to shed some light on this issue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.