Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 28, 2025

Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 BSL-3 Conditions
07:59

Adapting Gastrointestinal Organoids for Pathogen Infection and Single Cell Sequencing under Biosafety Level 3 BSL-3 Conditions

Published on: September 10, 2021

3.4K

Gastrointestinal involvement in children with SARS-COV-2 infection: An overview for the pediatrician

Elena Chiappini1, Amelia Licari2, Marco Antonio Motisi1

  • 1Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Science Health, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|November 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children with SARS-CoV-2 infection often experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Fecal shedding occurs in a significant percentage, raising concerns about oral-fecal transmission and children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting, are frequently observed in pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • These GI symptoms occur in 8%-9% of cases, potentially exceeding 20% in some studies.
  • Younger children are more prone to GI involvement, though disease severity remains comparable regardless of GI symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and implications of gastrointestinal symptoms in children infected with SARS-CoV-2.
  • To explore the potential for fecal shedding and oral-fecal transmission routes in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
  • To assess the role of children in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, especially in asymptomatic or GI-symptomatic individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies and case reports on pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections.
  • Analysis of reported gastrointestinal symptom prevalence and characteristics.
  • Evaluation of data on fecal shedding and viral RNA detection in stool samples.

Main Results:

  • Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is detected in 20%-30% of infected children, irrespective of overt GI symptoms.
  • Prolonged fecal viral shedding can persist days after respiratory samples test negative via real-time PCR.
  • Children with GI involvement tend to be younger than those without.

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of GI symptoms and fecal shedding in children with SARS-CoV-2 suggests a potential for oral-fecal transmission.
  • Children may play a significant role in community transmission, particularly when asymptomatic or presenting with non-respiratory symptoms.
  • Further investigation into the oral-fecal transmission route and the role of children in the convalescent phase is warranted.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2childrengastrointestinal symptoms

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Understanding and Combatting Shigella Infections04:56

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Understanding and Combatting Shigella Infections

Published on: February 9, 2024

1.3K
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

5.2K

Related Concept Videos

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
466
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
121
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
274
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
877
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
93
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:23

Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management

The clinical manifestations of gastritis can vary depending on the cause and type of gastritis, but some common symptoms may include the following.
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
860