Presence of Live SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Feces of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: A Rapid Review
View/ Open
Date
2020Author
Cheruiyot, Isaac
Sehmi, Prabjot
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly escalating pandemic that has spread to many
parts of the world. The disease has already affected over 6 million individuals, with over 400,000
fatalities. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in feces of
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using RT-PCR tests. It is however, still unclear
as to whether or not live SARS-CoV-2 virus is actually present in feces of these patients. In this
rapid review, we systematically analyzed literature to establish any evidence of live SARS-CoV2 virus in fecal samples of COVID-19 patients. We identified 4 studies (one case report, 2 case
series and 1 cohort study) where the SARS-CoV-2 was successfully isolated from fecal samples
of COVID-19 patients using culture techniques. Therefore, there is some evidence COVID-19
could shed live SARS-CoV-2 virus via the gastro-intestinal tract. Larger studies are needed to
corroborate these findings, as well as to determine its potential for disease transmission and
infection, and possible implications for COVID-19 discharge and isolation policies.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Subject
SARS-CoV-2, Feces, COVID-19Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10378]
The following license files are associated with this item: