Background SARS-CoV-2 has been detected not only in respiratory secretions, but also in stool collections. Here were sought to identify SARS-CoV-2 by enrichment next-generation sequencing (NGS) from fecal samples, and to utilize whole genome analysis to characterize SARS-CoV-2 mutational variations in COVID-19 patients. Results Study participants underwent testing for SARS-CoV-2 from fecal samples by whole genome enrichment NGS (n = 14), and RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab analysis (n = 12). The concordance of SARS-CoV-2 detection by enrichment NGS from stools with RT-PCR nasopharyngeal analysis was 100%. Unique variants were identified in four patients, with a total of 33 different mutations among those in which SARS-CoV-2 was detected by whole genome enrichment NGS. Conclusion These results highlight the potential viability of SARS-CoV-2 in feces, its ongoing mutational accumulation, and its possible role in fecal–oral transmission. This study also elucidates the advantages of SARS-CoV-2 enrichment NGS, which may be a key methodology to document complete viral eradication. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04359836, Registered 24 April 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04359836?term=NCT04359836&draw=2&rank=1 ).
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, NGS, Fecal–oral transmission, 【초록키워드】 Mutation, Variation, variant, RT-PCR, SARS-CoV-2 detection, Stool, Concordance, viability, nasopharyngeal, Next-generation sequencing, Fecal sample, methodology, patients, COVID-19 patients, Analysis, Fecal–oral transmission, participant, whole genome, fecal samples, RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab, Complete, highlight, Result, identify, 【제목키워드】 Sequencing, detection, Patient, Fecal sample, whole genome,