Gastrointestinal Aspects of COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Coronaviruses commonly cause mild infections, but recently severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 caused a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 3,181,642 cases were confirmed globally. Gastrointestinal tract may be involved in COVID-19 due to the presence of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) in small intestine and colon which are mandatory for SARS-CoV-2 invasion. A proportion of patients with COVID-19 had gastrointestinal manifestation without respiratory symptoms. Viable virus can also be isolated from feces of patients. Fecal-oral transmission should be considered in controlling disease spreading. Fecal examination may also be considered to diagnose COVID-19, especially in areas with limited personal protective equipment.