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Published on: February 3, 2016
Paediatric COVID-19 and the GUT.
Rohit Gupta1, Saman Beg2, Alok Jain1
1Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.
Children with COVID-19 can experience gastrointestinal symptoms, suggesting potential fecal-oral transmission. The gastrointestinal tract may shed the virus even after respiratory symptoms resolve.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in children often presents with fever and respiratory symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are also reported in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
- The GI tract's role in COVID-19 shedding and transmission is an emerging area of concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance of gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric COVID-19.
- To investigate the potential for fecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children.
- To understand the implications of COVID-19 for children with chronic digestive conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral RNA detection in fecal samples compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.
- Review of the expression of key SARS-CoV-2 entry proteins (ACE2, TMPRSS2) in the GI tract.
- Discussion of clinical implications for pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- Continuous detection of viral RNA in feces suggests the GI tract as a shedding source.
- Viral shedding from the GI tract may persist even after negative respiratory tests.
- Presence of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors in the GI tract explains observed digestive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The gastrointestinal tract plays a role in SARS-CoV-2 shedding in children.
- Fecal-oral transmission is a potential route for COVID-19 spread in pediatric populations.
- COVID-19 management requires consideration of GI symptoms and risks for children with inflammatory bowel disease.
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