Hong Kong third wave: new testing push for elderly, at-risk infants after study finds Covid-19 lingering in stool samples
- More than half of 15 infected patients tested had coronavirus in stool even after deemed well enough to be discharged
- Two-year-old boy’s samples test positive for 36 straight days, prompting call for regular disinfections of homes, toilets
The two-part study, carried out by Chinese University, showed that collecting stool samples was a better option for infants and the elderly, who might find it difficult to undergo nasal or throat swabs, scientists said.
The team announced in March the coronavirus could remain in the stool of carriers even though it was no longer found in sputum, nasopharyngeal and deep-throat saliva samples.
The ensuing study covered 2,000 samples taken from airport arrivals since March and a group of 15 Covid-19 patients in hospital. The coronavirus was found in the stool of more than half the latter group, despite a lack of discomfort in their stomachs or intestines, a finding scientists called a first.
“Our study proved that some discharged patients may still carry infectious stool samples that may transmit the virus to their family members or friends,” said Professor Paul Chan Kay-sheung, chairman of the university’s microbiology department. “Thus, they must be alert, maintain good hygiene and disinfect toilets and their homes regularly.”