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Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in infants born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers: a pilot study

Dylan K P Blaufus1, Karen M Kalanetra1, Rosa Pesavento2

  • 1Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America.

Peerj
|September 2, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 may shed the virus in feces, even with negative nasal swabs. This fecal shedding is linked to distinct gut microbiome compositions in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is observed in infected individuals, especially children.
  • Gut microbiota composition influences resistance to enteric pathogens.
  • COVID-19 infection is known to alter the gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in the gut microbiome of infants born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers, comparing those with and without detectable fecal virus shedding.

Main Methods:

  • Fecal RNA was analyzed using qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2.
  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region was employed to characterize the gut microbiome.
  • Infant SARS-CoV-2 status was confirmed via nasal swab results from medical records.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding was detected in four out of ten infants, including one infant who tested positive via nasal swab.
  • Fecal SARS-CoV-2 detection correlated with increased gut alpha diversity (p < 0.001).
  • Specific bacterial families, including Erysipelotrichaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Ruminococceae, were more abundant in infants with fecal shedding.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 can be shed in the feces of infants, even when nasal swabs are negative.
  • Infant fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is associated with significant alterations in gut microbiome composition.
Keywords:
Fecal sheddingInfant gut microbiomeSARS-CoV-2

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