Gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA suggest prolonged gastrointestinal infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 manifests with respiratory, systemic, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.^1, SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detected in respiratory and fecal samples, and recent reports demonstrate viral replication in both the lung and intestinal tissue.2, 3, 4 Although much is known about early fecal RNA shedding, little is known about long-term shedding, especially in those with mild COVID-19. Furthermore, most reports of fecal RNA shedding do not correlate these findings with GI symptoms.⁵.

Methods

We analyzed the dynamics of fecal RNA shedding up to 10 months after COVID-19 diagnosis in 113 individuals with mild to moderate disease. We also correlated shedding with disease symptoms.

Findings

Fecal SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detected in 49.2% [95% co

SUBMITTER: Natarajan A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9005383 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature