Gastrointestinal symptoms and potential fecal transmission in coronavirus patients
AGA | 03-05-2020
Gastrointestinal symptoms and potential fecal transmission in coronavirus patients. Credit: © aliced – Depositphotos.
The world is bracing for the impact of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, which has now spread to over 30 countries, infecting more than 80,000 people with over 2,600 deaths globally. A better understanding of how this virus is transmitted is key to preventing its spread.
In two new papers published online in Gastroenterology (paper 1, paper 2), investigators from China describe the impact of coronavirus on the digestive tract. Key findings:
- A significant portion of coronavirus patients have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal discomfort before respiratory symptoms.
- Researchers recommend monitoring patients with initial GI distress, which will allow for earlier detection, diagnosis, isolation and intervention.
- Viral RNA is detectable in stool of patients with suspected coronavirus; it is now clear that the virus sheds into the stool.
- Viral gastrointestinal infection and potential fecal-oral transmission can last even after viral clearance in the respiratory tract.
- Prevention of fecal-oral transmission should be taken into consideration to control the spread the virus.
Source:
Materials provided by the American Gastroenterological Association. Content may be edited for clarity, style, and length.
