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SARS-associated coronavirus transmission, United States
Elmira T Isakbaeva1, Nino Khetsuriani, R Suzanne Beard
1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. iae4@cdc.gov
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 20, 2004
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was detected in sputum and stool samples from SARS patients, persisting for weeks. Testing these samples aids early SARS-CoV infection detection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) poses a significant public health risk.
- Understanding SARS-CoV transmission dynamics is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of SARS-CoV transmission.
- To determine the presence and persistence of SARS-CoV in clinical specimens.
- To evaluate the utility of sputum and stool testing for SARS detection.
Main Methods:
- Serial collection of sputum and stool specimens from confirmed U.S. SARS patients and household contacts.
- Clinical and exposure data were gathered.
- SARS-CoV detection in specimens using laboratory assays.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV was detected in sputum (day 14) and stool (up to 26 days post-onset) from case-patients.
- Highest viral loads were observed in day-14 sputum and stool samples.
- One household contact showed possible SARS-CoV transmission, with a history of travel to an affected area.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV may not always be transmitted efficiently.
- Persistent SARS-CoV shedding in stool and sputum is possible.
- Routine testing of stool and sputum specimens can aid in the early detection of SARS-CoV infection.