Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Release in Faecal Specimens of Discharged COVID-19 Patients

Koparan A., Dede S., Karakuş E.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.1-19, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Dergi Adı: TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-19
  • Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract 

Objectives:The presence of live SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the fecal specimens and the  positive results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in gastrointestinal samples after respiratory specimens had become negative indicate that there may be a risk of transmission of the disease not only through the respiratory tract but also through the fecal-oral route. The study aim is to determine the time period that the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains in the fecal specimens of discharged COVID-19 patients to reveal the time interval in which the risk of transmission continues.

Methods: In 65 patients hospitalized with a COVID-19 diagnosis, the viral RNA was isolated from the supernatant of the stool sample using CVXTM viral RNA extraction kit. The extracted RNAs from the stool samples were detected using a commercial RT-PCR method.

Results: Positive results were obtained in the stool samples in eight of sixty-five patients and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in these patients was detected for up to three weeks.

Conclusions: By determining the residence time of SARS-CoV-2 virus in stool samples of discharged COVID-19 patients, the time interval during which the possibility of transmission risk continues has been revealed. The findings of the study could prove beneficial in comprehending the risks of  transmission and translating them into preventative measures. 

Keywords: COVID-19 disease, SARS-CoV-2, stool sample, fecal-oral transmission, patient