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Potential fecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Current evidence and implications for public health
1Public Health and Healthcare Program, Texas Policy Lab, School of Social Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
Insights
Evidence suggests severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may spread through fecal transmission. This review examines the potential for fecal shedding and its public health implications for controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a global pandemic.
- Primary transmission routes include respiratory droplets and close contact.
- Emerging evidence suggests potential fecal transmission, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the potential for fecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss the public health implications of fecal shedding.
- To inform strategies for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating SARS-CoV-2 in fecal samples.
- Analysis of evidence supporting fecal-oral or fecal-mediated transmission routes.
- Discussion of public health perspectives on potential fecal transmission.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence supports the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding.
- Detection of viral RNA in stool samples from infected individuals has been reported.
- The viability and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in feces require further research.
Conclusions:
- Fecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a plausible route that warrants consideration.
- Understanding fecal shedding is crucial for comprehensive infection control measures.
- Public health strategies should address potential fecal-oral transmission to mitigate COVID-19 spread.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Hubei Province, China in December 2019 and has since become a global pandemic, with hundreds of thousands of cases and over 165 countries affected. Primary routes of transmission of the causative virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are through respiratory droplets and close person-to-person contact. While information about other potential modes of transmission are relatively sparse, evidence supporting the possibility of a fecally mediated mode of transmission has been accumulating. Here, current knowledge on the potential for fecal transmission is briefly reviewed and the possible implications are discussed from a public health perspective.
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