Molecular and serological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in stool samples of Iraqi patients with negative nasopharyngeal swab –PCR

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR approach on stool samples in combination with serological assays will support and facilitate the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in suspected patients, particularly when RT-PCR results on nasopharyngeal swabs are negative. Methodology: Ninety (90) stool samples were collected from patients of two groups; positive and negative Nasopharyngeal swab results of SARS-CoV-2, Qualitative RT-PCR and ELISA approaches for SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein Antigen in stool samples were performed for two groups. Results: Qualitative RT-PCR assay was used for revealing of SARS-CoV-2-RNA in stool samples that revealed 22 (64.7%) out of 34 positive stool PCR results were noticed within the negative Nasopharyngeal swab-PCR group. Antigen validity rate was (58.9%) noticed among the negative Nasopharyngeal swab-PCR group. Conclusion: There is a significant proportion of negative nasopharyngeal swab patients had positive viral RNA and Nucleocapsid protein detected in their stool samples