Impact of Coronavirus on the Digestive Tract Studied

A significant portion of coronavirus patients have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal discomfort before respiratory symptoms, reported new study findings.

In coronavirus patients, the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms and the potential fecal transmission has been studied.

The world is bracing for the impact of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, which has now spread to over 30 countries, //infecting more than 80,000 people with over 2,600 deaths globally. A better understanding of how this virus is transmitted is key to preventing its spread.

Coronavirus
Coronaviruses infect animals, humans, and birds. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS, MERS, and 2019-nCoV cause respiratory distress and even death. The S protein is the infectious agent of the virus.

In two new papers published online in Gastroenterology, investigators from China describe the impact of coronavirus on the digestive tract. Key findings:

Researchers recommend monitoring patients with initial GI distress, which will allow for earlier detection, diagnosis, isolation and intervention.

Viral RNA is detectable in stool of patients with suspected coronavirus; it is now clear that the virus sheds into the stool.

Quiz on Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children below 5 years of age.Test your knowledge on this potentially fatal but easily preventable and treatable condition by taking this quiz.

Viral gastrointestinal infection and potential fecal-oral transmission can last even after viral clearance in respiratory tract.

Prevention of fecal-oral transmission should be taken into consideration to control the spread the virus.

Nausea and Vomiting - Symptom Evaluation
Nausea and vomiting is a common problem that could be caused by conditions affecting the digestive tract or other systems of the body or due to infections.

Source-Eurekalert