Long-term SARS coronavirus excretion from patient cohort, China

Abstract

This study investigated the long-term excretion of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus in sputum and stool specimens from 56 infected patients. The median (range) duration of virus excretion in sputa and stools was 21 (14-52) and 27 (16-126) days, respectively. Coexisting illness or conditions were associated with longer viral excretion in stools.