SARS-CoV-2-Positive Sputum and Feces After Conversion of Pharyngeal Samples in Patients With COVID-19.
Author(s): Chen C, Gao G, Xu Y, Pu L, Wang Q, Wang L, Wang W, Song Y, Chen M, Wang L., Yu F, Yang S, Tang Y, Zhao L, Wang H, Wang Y, Zeng H, Zhang F
Publication: Ann Intern Med, 2020, Vol. , Page
PubMed ID: 32227141 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
The purpose of this paper was to compare detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID, COVID-19, COVID19) in sputum and fecal specimens after loss of detection in pharyngeal swab specimens.
Conclusion of Paper
Sputum specimens were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR up to 39 days after the pharyngeal swab tested negative. Similarly, fecal specimens were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR up to 13 days after the pharyngeal swab tested negative. Interestingly, multiple negative sputum specimens were found between positive sputum specimens in some patients.
Studies
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Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare detection of SARS-CoV-2 in sputum and fecal specimens after loss of detection in pharyngeal swabs. Twenty-two patients were retrospectively selected for analysis based on having a follow-up sputum or fecal specimen positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR and a negative nasopharyngeal specimen. All patients were diagnosed with Covid-19 based on two RT-qPCR–positive pharyngeal swabs. From these patients, 545 specimens (209 pharyngeal swabs, 262 sputum, and 74 feces) were evaluated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR with a cycle threshold value of 37 defined as positive.
Summary of Findings:
Sputum specimens were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR up to 39 days after the pharyngeal swab tested negative. Similarly, fecal specimens were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR up to 13 days after the pharyngeal swab tested negative. Interestingly, multiple negative sputum specimens were found between positive sputum specimens in some patients.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Pneumonia/Respiratory Infection
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform RNA Real-time qRT-PCR Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Acquisition Biospecimen location Sputum
Feces
Nasopharyngeal swab
Biospecimen Acquisition Time of biospecimen collection 0-54 days from symptom onset