Study presence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in the sweat of patients infected with Covid-19

Fathizadeh H., Taghizadeh S., Safari R., Khiabani S. S., Babak B., Hamzavi F., ...More

MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS, vol.149, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 149
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104556
  • Journal Name: MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Sweat, COVID-19, Sars-Cov-2, Detection, Transmission, Contamination, CORONAVIRUS
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease, which started in Wuhan, Chin, has now become a public health challenge in most countries around the world. Proper preventive measures are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus to help control the pandemic. Because, SARS-CoV-2 is new, its transmission route has not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the sweat secretion of COVID-19 patients. Sweat specimens of 25 COVID19 patients were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method. After RNA extraction and cDNA amplification, all samples were examined for the presence of ORF-1ab and N genes related to COVID-19. Results annotated by Realtime PCR machines software based on Dynamic algorithm. The results of this study showed the absence of SARS-CoV-2 in the sweat samples taken from the foreheads of infected people. Therefore, it can be concluded that the sweat of patients with COVID19 cannot transmit SARS-CoV-2. However they can be easily contaminated with other body liquids.