Paper Published In The Lancet Proves Presence Of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA In Faecal Samples

Paper from The Lancet (Gastroenterology And Hepatology) has stated that the COVID – 19 is actively replicating in the GIT and shedding with faecal matter upto 5 weeks after cases were deemed ‘cured’ by virtue of two sputum negative RT PCR tests.
Paper Title: Prolonged presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in faecal samples
Authors:
Yongjian Wu, Cheng Guo, Lantian Tang, Zhongsi Hong, Jianhui Zhou, Xin Dong, et al.
Published: March 19, 2020DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(20)30083-2PlumX Metrics
The data suggest the possibility of extended duration of viral shedding in faeces, for nearly 5 weeks after the patients’ respiratory samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Although knowledge about the viability of SARS-CoV-2 is limited,¹ the virus could remain viable in the environment for days, which could lead to faecal–oral transmission, as seen with severe acute respiratory virus CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV.² Therefore, routine stool sample testing with real-time RT-PCR is highly recommended after the clearance of viral RNA in a patient’s respiratory samples. Strict precautions to prevent transmission should be taken for patients who are in hospital or self-quarantined if their faecal samples test positive.

Determining whether a virus is viable using nucleic acid detection is difficult; further research using fresh stool samples at later timepoints in patients with extended duration of faecal sample positivity is required to define transmission potential. Additionally, we found patients normally had no or very mild symptoms after respiratory tract sample results became negative (data not shown); however, asymptomatic transmission has been reported.⁴ No cases of transmission via the faecal–oral route have yet been reported for SARS-CoV-2, which might suggest that infection via this route is unlikely in quarantine facilities, in hospital, or while under self-isolation. However, potential faecal–oral transmission might pose an increased risk in contained living premises such as hostels, dormitories, trains, buses, and cruise ships.
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