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

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03195-24
• Publication Date: 2025-03-25T17:28:48Z
• Authors: Lee Kellingray; George M. Savva; Enriqueta Garcia-...; Jemma Snell; Stefano Romano; Daniel Alejandro ...; Annalisa Altera; Leonardo de Olive...; Chloe Hutchins; David Baker; Antonietta Hayhoe; Christian Hacon; Ngozi Elumogo; Arjan Narbad; Lizbeth Sayavedra
• Keywords: Viral Shedding

ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was originally described as a illness; however, it is now known that the infection can spread to gastrointestinal tract, leading shedding in feces potentially being source of through wastewater. We aimed assess prevalence and persistence SARS-CoV-2 fecal saliva samples for up 7 weeks post-detection cohort 98 participants from Norfolk, United Kingdom using RT-qPCR. Secondary goals included sequencing viral isolates present comparing genetic sequence with same participant. Furthermore, we sought identify factors associated presence detectable virus or after positive test. Saliva remained SARS-CoV-2-positive longer periods compared samples, all occurring within 4 initial Detectable positively number symptoms experienced by individuals. Based on genome taxonomic classification virus, one donor had distinct strain collection date, which suggests different could dominate tissues. Our results underscore importance considering multiple biological such feces, detection characterization SARS-CoV-2, particularly clinical procedures involving patient material transplant. Such insights contribute enhancing safety protocols surrounding handling aid devising effective strategies mitigating disease. IMPORTANCE This study provides critical into dynamics severe demonstrating while RNA shortly diagnosis, its declines rapidly over course infection. Detection more common among individuals concurrent symptoms, emphasizing potential influence symptom burden persistence. By analyzing Kingdom-based cohort, this fills significant gap literature, has largely focused Asian North American populations, offering geographically unique perspective dynamics. findings globally relevant understanding revealing differences durations studies other regions. These highlight need diverse research account variations background, immune response, healthcare practices.