About this Research Topic
The intestinal damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has been verified by autopsy and biopsy. The SARS-COV-2 RNA has been detected in the feces of COVID-19 patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the functional receptor of SARS-CoV, and is critical to the cellular entry of SARS-CoV. It is reported that ACE2 expression is roughly 100-fold higher in the gastrointestinal tract (particularly the colon) than in the respiratory system.
The digestive tract may serve as an infection route for COVID-19 according to clinical and pathological evidence. We should pay more attention to the digestive symptoms reported in patients infected with the virus, and consider SARS-CoV-2 stool test to help diagnosis and monitor for viral clearance.
This Research Topic aims to explore the clinical characters of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms, and to unveil the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in the digestive system, holding potential for the improvement of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for the concerned patients.
We welcome submissions of Original Research and Review covering the following subtopics:
● COVID-19 and the gastro-intestinal tract, liver and the pancreas
● Fecal SARS-COV-2 transmission and detection
● ACE2 and SARS-COV-2 interaction in the digestive system
● Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of SARS-COV-2 infection in the digestive system
● SARS-COV-2 infection in patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease
● SARS-COV-2 infection in patients with underlying chronic liver disease
● SARS=COV-2 infection and gastrointestinal endoscopy
● Safety and protection of gastroenterology and endoscopy personnel for COVID-19
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-COV-2, endoscopy, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract
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