Temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 shedding in feces and saliva: a longitudinal study in Norfolk, United Kingdom during the 2021-2022 COVID-19 waves.

UNLABELLED

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was originally described as a respiratory illness; however, it is now known that the infection can spread to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to shedding in feces potentially being a source of infection through wastewater. We aimed to assess the prevalence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in fecal and saliva samples for up to 7 weeks post-detection in a cohort of 98 participants from Norfolk, United Kingdom using RT-qPCR. Secondary goals included sequencing the viral isolates present in fecal samples and comparing the genetic sequence with isolates in the saliva of the same participant. Furthermore, we sought to identify factors associated with the presence of detectable virus in feces or saliva after a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Saliva remained SARS-CoV-2-positive for longer periods compared to fecal samples, with all positive fecal samples occurring within 4 weeks of the initial positive test. Detectable virus in fecal samples was positively associated with the number of symptoms experienced by the individuals. Based on the genome sequencing and taxonomic classification of the virus, one donor had a distinct strain in feces compared to saliva on the same collection date, which suggests that different isolates could dominate different tissues. Our results underscore the importance of considering multiple biological samples, such as feces, in the detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2, particularly in clinical procedures involving patient fecal material transplant. Such insights could contribute to enhancing the safety protocols surrounding the handling of patient samples and aid in devising effective strategies for mitigating the spread of coronavirus disease.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides critical insights into the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding in fecal and saliva samples, demonstrating that while viral RNA is detectable shortly after diagnosis, its prevalence declines rapidly over the course of infection. Detection was more common among individuals with more concurrent symptoms, emphasizing the potential influence of symptom burden on viral persistence. By analyzing a United Kingdom-based cohort, this study fills a significant gap in the literature, which has largely focused on Asian and North American populations, offering a geographically unique perspective on viral shedding dynamics. Our findings contribute to a globally relevant understanding of SARS-CoV-2 shedding by revealing differences in shedding durations compared to studies from other regions. These differences highlight the need for geographically diverse research to account for variations in genetic background, immune response, and healthcare practices.