Systematic review with meta-analysis: SARS-CoV-2 stool testing and the potential for faecal-oral transmission.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many scientific reports regarding gastrointestinal manifestations. Several reports indicate the possibility of viral shedding via faeces and the possibility of faecal-oral transmission.

Aims

To critically assess the clinical relevance of testing stool samples and anal swabs and provide an overview of the potential faecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

A systematic literature search with MeSH terms was performed, scrutinising the Embase database, Google scholar, MEDLINE database through PubMed and The Cochrane Library, including articles from December 2019 until July 7 2020. Data were subsequently analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Ninety-five studies were included in the q

SUBMITTER: van Doorn AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7461227 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature