Covid-19 Transmits Through Fecal Matter

The first COVID-19 infected patient reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. The virus spread rapidly to over 165 countries in approximately within 3 months.

- A.L.S. Sewwandi

The primary routes of transmission of the coronavirus were respiratory droplets. Scientists have discovered that the novel coronavirus can remain in another human body and the individual may develop resistance to the corona virus with time. Recently, some countries are experiencing second waves of COVID-19 with some modifications in disease symptoms and the way of transmission. Other countries are pretty scared to have second wave of this pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has such massive mortality records.

Recent research studies reveal that the corona virus can remain in the human digestive tract and its transmission can occur through feces. Therefore, we have to pay more attention on personal hygiene in order to prevent the transmission of infection since a second wave of COVID-19 might develop into severe condition. This week’s Health Capsule is going to present a newly identified method of how the coronavirus infection spreads globally and what precautions we can take.

According to research findings, in addition to respiratory symptoms, a significant number of COVID-19 patients is suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Pathophysiology of the virus

The entry of the virus to the host cell can take place through ACE-2 receptors, which are important regulators connected to intestinal inflammation. In addition to the ACE-2 receptor, successful virus entry requires transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) also which cleaves the S-protein of Corona virus on the cell membrane and enables viral fusion. ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 were found in the lung alveolar cells, esophageal epithelial cells and also in the absorptive enterocytes of ileum and colon.