SARS-CoV-2 Is Present in Peritoneal Fluid in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background: The excretion pathomechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 are actually unknown. No certain data exist about viral load in the different body compartments and fluids during the different disease phases.

Material and methods: Specific real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction targeting 3 SARS-CoV-e genes were used to detect the presence of the virus.

Results: SARS-CoV-2 was detected in peritoneal fluid at a higher concentration than in respiratory tract.

Conclusion: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in peritoneal fluid has never been reported. The present article represents the very first positive result describing the presence of the virus in peritoneal fluid during an emergency surgical procedure in a COVID-19 sick patient. This article thus represents a warning for increasing the level of awareness and protection for surgeon especially in emergency surgical setting.

FIGURE 1

Report of the peritoneal fluid analysis; sensible data deleted (∗∗∗) (in red squares: “versamento addominale” means: peritoneal fluid; “rilevato” means: presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA).