SARS-COV-2 VIRAL RNA SHEDDING IN DIFFERENT SAMPLES: A CASE STUDY IN VIET NAM

Abstract

Although several papers showing SARS-CoV-2 shedding from different compartments from COVID-19 patients have been published, little has been published from Vietnam. Here, we report the viral RNA shedding of SARS-CoV-2 over time, from those who were confirmed COVID-19, as a part of the national response, including asymptomatic and symptomatic patients admitted at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam from February to April 2020. All of 14 COVID-19 patients had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in nasopharyngeal and throat swabs and 9/13 in fecal specimens; though all urine, blood and rectal swab specimens remained SARS-CoV- 2 RNA negativity. The viral RNA was detected in one patient from stool at day 31 onsets of illness. During the time from day to day 20 of hospitalization, 4/13 patients had RNA positivity only from fecal samples, but negativity from nasopharyngeal and throat swabs. From limited findings, we suggest that use of both fecal and respiratory specimen may enhance diagnostic sensitivity, and aid discharge decision.