6533b834fe1ef96bd129cccd
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Lack of evidence for infectious SARS-CoV-2 in feces and sewage
Pilar Domingo-calapJavier PemánMiguel SalavertSandra AlbertAlba Ruizsubject
Microbiology (medical)medicine.medical_specialtyvirusesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)COVID-19 Viral infectious particles WastewaterSewageSARS-CoV-2; COVID-19WastewaterBiologymedicine.disease_causeVirusFecal-oral transmissionFecesMedical microbiologymedicineHumansViral infectious particlesViral sheddingFecesCoronavirusInfectivityFecal–oral transmission SARS-CoV-2SewageSARS-CoV-2Transmission (medicine)business.industryBrief ReportCOVID-19General MedicineVirologyInfectious DiseasesWastewaterRNA ViralRespiratory virusFecal–oral transmissionbusinessFecal-Oral Transmissiondescription
Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a respiratory virus whose primary route of transmission is airborne. However, it has been shown that the virus can replicate in gastrointestinal cells, can be excreted in feces, and can reach sewage systems. Although viral RNA is known to be found in patient feces and sewage, little is known about the possible fecal-oral transmission of the coronavirus. Determining the presence of infective viral particles in feces and sewage is necessary to take adequate control measures and to discover new routes of coronavirus transmission. Here, we analyzed feces and urine of COVID-19 patients and wastewater samples at the time of high prevalence in the region under study, both by molecular methods and cell culture. The results obtained do not evidence the presence of infective viral particles, although larger-scale efforts are needed to elucidate whether the fecal-oral transmission should be considered as a route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-05-11 | European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases |