Investigation of SARS-CoV2 excretion in faeces [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of SARS-CoV2 excretion in faeces
IRAS ID
282681
Contact name
Mark Wilcox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
We are currently experiencing a world-wide pandemic, caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. This virus causes a disease called COIVD19, a respiratory infection with symptoms including high temperature, persistent cough and fatigue. Some people have also experienced diarrhoea and vomiting. We currently test for the virus by looking for its RNA (genetic material) on a swab of someone’s inner nose. Some studies have found viral RNA in stool samples from patients, but we don’t know how long this can be detected for or if this virus can infect someone else. Detection of RNA alone cannot tell us if there is virus there that is capable of infecting cells (‘live’ virus). This is important, as it may affect social distancing or how we care for people in hospitals. To answer this question, we will collect several stool samples, over four weeks, from in-patients and test them for virus RNA and for ‘live’ virus. \nIn addition, currently healthcare workers who have tested positive for the virus may return to work seven days after the date of the positive test, and have not had symptoms for at least 72 hours (as they are thought to be non-infective by this point). We do not know however if they might still have virus in their stool, and if they have if it is capable of causing an infection. To answer this question we will also test several samples from returning healthcare workers for Viral RNA and the ’live’ virus. We will do this using a self-collected rectal swab, with a few participants also collecting stool samples. \nWe will use the data from this study to inform national guidelines on how to deal with COVID19.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0132
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion