Evidence for gastrointestinal infection of SARS-CoV-2

AbstractThe new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak originating from Wuhan, China, poses a threat to global health. While it’s evident that the virus invades respiratory tract and transmits from human to human through airway, other viral tropisms and transmission routes remain unknown. We tested viral RNA in stool from 73 SARS-CoV-2-infected hospitalized patients using rRT-PCR. 53.42% of the patients tested positive in stool. 23.29% of the patients remained positive in feces even after the viral RNA decreased to undetectable level in respiratory tract. The viral RNA was also detected in gastrointestinal tissues. Furthermore, gastric, duodenal and rectal epithelia showed positive immunofluorescent staining of viral host receptor ACE2 and viral nucleocapsid protein in a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results provide evidence for gastrointestinal infection of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting its potential fecal-oral transmission route.

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Electron microscopy of frozen, hydrated lacrosse virus

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100142165 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 44 ◽

pp. 104-105

Author(s):

Y. Talmon ◽

B. V. V. Prasad ◽

J. P. M. Clerx ◽

W. Chiu ◽

M. J. Hewlett

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Ionic Strength ◽

Nucleocapsid Protein ◽

Rna Viruses ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Bilayer Membrane ◽

Viral Rna ◽

California Serogroup ◽

Viral Nucleocapsid ◽

Negative Sense

LaCrosse (LAC) virus is a member of the California serogroup of the Bunyaviridae. The bunyaviruses are all negative-sense, RNA viruses whose genome consists of three segments of single stranded RNA. LAC virions are composed of multiple viral RNA strands complexed with viral nucleocapsid protein surrounded by a bilayer membrane embedded with 2 glycoproteins.Staining and drying of LAC virus samples produce images in which the virions are collapsed and distorted (Figure 1). Fixation prior to staining, also gives disappointing results, probably due to the high sensitivity of the LAC virus to changes in the ionic strength and composition of the solution in which it is suspended.

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Small viral RNA segment of bunyaviruses codes for viral nucleocapsid protein.

Journal of Virology ◽

10.1128/jvi.28.1.417-419.1978 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 417-419 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

J R Gentsch ◽

D H Bishop

Keyword(s):

Nucleocapsid Protein ◽

Viral Rna ◽

Viral Nucleocapsid

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The Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 in the Gastrointestinal Infection Risk and Potential Fecal Oral-Transmission Route of 2019-nCoV

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.3556618 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Cai Xinyong ◽

Jiang Panpan ◽

Hong Lang ◽

Ren Xin ◽

Yang Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Infection Risk ◽

Transmission Route ◽

Gastrointestinal Infection ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

Oral Transmission

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Adolescent COVID-19-Associated Fatal Rhabdomyolysis

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/2150132720985641 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 215013272098564

Author(s):

Huda Anwar ◽

Anwaar Al Lawati

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Global Health ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Sore Throat ◽

Shortness Of Breath ◽

Past Medical History ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Viral Illness ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

High Index Of Suspicion

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become an urgent global health priority. Although most patients with COVID-19 manifest with fever and respiratory tract symptoms, COVID-19 infections may also involve other organs and extrarespiratory manifestations, including cardiac, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and neurological symptoms. This case describes a 16-year-old boy who presented with fever, sore throat, myalgia, and subsequently with shortness of breath. A diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. His condition deteriorated and he died within 3 days of admission. An evaluation of his past medical history confirmed an episode of viral illness which had progressed to myositis and rhabdomyolysis 1 year prior. Clinicians should be aware of this complication and maintain a high index of suspicion in cases of COVID-19 presenting with extrapulmonary symptoms.

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The viral nucleocapsid protein and the human RNA-binding protein Mex3A promote translation of the Andes orthohantavirus small mRNA

PLoS Pathogens ◽

10.1371/journal.ppat.1009931 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. e1009931

Author(s):

Jorge Vera-Otarola ◽

Estefania Castillo-Vargas ◽

Jenniffer Angulo ◽

Francisco M. Barriga ◽

Eduard Batlle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nucleocapsid Protein ◽

Rna Binding ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Rna Binding Protein ◽

Initiation Factor ◽

Cellular Proteins ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

The Andes ◽

Viral Nucleocapsid

The capped Small segment mRNA (SmRNA) of the Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) lacks a poly(A) tail. In this study, we characterize the mechanism driving ANDV-SmRNA translation. Results show that the ANDV-nucleocapsid protein (ANDV-N) promotes in vitro translation from capped mRNAs without replacing eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G. Using an RNA affinity chromatography approach followed by mass spectrometry, we identify the human RNA chaperone Mex3A (hMex3A) as a SmRNA-3’UTR binding protein. Results show that hMex3A enhances SmRNA translation in a 3’UTR dependent manner, either alone or when co-expressed with the ANDV-N. The ANDV-N and hMex3A proteins do not interact in cells, but both proteins interact with eIF4G. The hMex3A–eIF4G interaction showed to be independent of ANDV-infection or ANDV-N expression. Together, our observations suggest that translation of the ANDV SmRNA is enhanced by a 5’-3’ end interaction, mediated by both viral and cellular proteins.

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Original SARS-CoV-2 vaccine model

Experimental and Clinical Gastroenterology ◽

10.31146/1682-8658-ecg-178-6-128-132 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 128-132

Author(s):

I. E. Khoroshilov

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Respiratory System ◽

Clinical Picture ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Single Case ◽

Viral Rna ◽

Human Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Oral Transmission ◽

Coronavirus Infection

The new coronavirus infection COVID-19 that appeared at the end of 2019 is signifi cantly different from the viral infections that existed previously. The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus combines two transmission routes—aerosol and oral-intestinal. The targets for this virus are both cells of the respiratory system and the human gastrointestinal tract. Along with the classical form of this disease, the so-called “gastrointestinal” form is described, in which the clinical picture is dominated by signs of damage to the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia). These symptoms are detected, in general, in 20% of patients with COVID-19. More than 80% of patients have mild forms, a third of these individuals had diarrhea. Although SARSCoV-2 viral RNA is detected in faeces samples of patients with COVID-19, it does not carry an infectious onset, and not a single case of fecal-oral transmission has been confi rmed. Since the intestines are the most powerful organ of our immune system, we can introduce SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA into the gastrointestinal tract to ensure the formation of immunity to this infection.

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The clinical features of COVID-19 patients with positive viral RNA stool test results and possibility of fecal-oral transmission : A Systematic Review

The Indonesian Journal of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Digestive Endoscopy ◽

10.24871/221202142-51 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 42-51

Author(s):

Selina Natalia ◽

Felicia Imanuella Thorion ◽

Luky Adlino ◽

Clifford Eltin John ◽

Andree Kurniawan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Viral Rna ◽

World Health ◽

Test Results ◽

Oral Transmission ◽

Positive Stool ◽

Health Organization

Objective : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared as an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), with outbreaks in over 200 countries and causing over 390,000 deaths globally. ACE-2 receptors are highly expressed in the upper and lower gastrointestinal system, providing a prerequisite for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, over half of the COVID-19 patients have viral nucleic acid detected in their feces and almost one-quarter of the cases, the stool samples test positive even when respiratory samples are negative. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize literature and to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with positive viral RNA stool test for COVID-19 and if there is a possibility of fecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus.Method : This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020183049). A systematic search of the literature for observational study and randomized control trial was conducted in PubMed central and Google Scholar through May 5th, 2020. Three reviewers independently searched and selected. The risk of bias was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality assessment tool.Results : 340 articles were screened, then from which eight articles were selected. Of eight articles that were included in this study, we sought for three main categories of the clinical manifestation; gastrointestinal, respiratory, and others. Each study was reviewed systematically to gain demographic data and evidence regarding the possibility of fecal oral transmission in SARS-CoV-2. Two studies reported prolongation of positive stool test results after the respiratory specimen conversion to negative which support the theory of fecal oral transmission.Conclusion : In conclusion, diarrhea, cough, and fever are the most common clinical manifestations in COVID-19 patients with positive RNA stool test results. Fecal oral transmission may be possible due to the ACE-2 receptors in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. RNA stool test should be used as addition in discharging COVID-19 patients.

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An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 with high mortality in mink (Neovison vison) on multiple Utah farms

10.1101/2021.06.09.447754 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chrissy Eckstrand ◽

Tom Baldwin ◽

Mia Kim Torchetti ◽

Mary Lea Killian ◽

Kerry A Rood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Viral Transmission ◽

Viral Rna ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Tracheobronchial Lymph Node ◽

Multiple Organs ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Polymerase Chain

The breadth of animal hosts that are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and may serve as reservoirs for continued viral transmission are not known entirely. In August 2020, an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 occurred in multiple mink farms in Utah and was associated with high mink mortality and rapid viral transmission between animals. The outbreak's epidemiology, pathology, molecular characterization, and tissue distribution of virus within infected mink is provided. Infection of mink was likely by reverse zoonosis. Once established, infection spread rapidly between independently housed animals and farms, and caused severe respiratory disease and death. Clinical signs were most notably sudden death, anorexia, and increased respiratory effort. Gross pathology examination revealed severe pulmonary congestion and edema. Microscopically there was pulmonary edema with moderate vasculitis, perivasculitis, and fibrinous interstitial pneumonia. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of tissues collected at necropsy demonstrated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in multiple organs including nasal turbinates, lung, tracheobronchial lymph node, epithelial surfaces, and others. Whole genome sequencing from multiple mink was consistent with published SARS-CoV-2 genomes with few polymorphisms. The Utah mink SARS-CoV-2 strain fell into Clade GH, which is unique among mink and other animal strains sequenced to date and did not share other spike RBD mutations Y453F and F486L found in mink. Localization of viral RNA by in situ hybridization revealed a more localized infection, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. Mink in the outbreak reported herein had high levels of virus in the upper respiratory tract associated with mink-to-mink transmission in a confined housing environment and were particularly susceptible to disease and death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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