Increasing Covid cases in wastewater have led some scientists to question whether the virus is now attacking people’s intestines.
Traditionally, Covid infects through the nose and mouth, multiplies in the respiratory tract and sometimes moves to the lungs.
However, some virologists believe that the Covid virus has changed its requirements for entering cells and is therefore capable of more easily infects the intestines.
Scientists around the world, including in the US, are detecting traces of Covid in much higher quantities in waste water.
Wastewater surveillance research was conducted during the pandemic to detect new variants and provide early warning to authorities of outbreaks
Scientists around the world, including in the US, are detecting traces of Covid in much higher quantities in waste water
Gastrointestinal bacteria are excreted in large quantities in the stool of infected people.
Marc Johnson, a molecular virologist and professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri, told DailyMail.com: “There have been some big increases in wastewater in Europe, and many of us have wondered what the possible explanations are. could be – whether it’s just “It’s a series of cases or whether there’s another explanation.”
In Austria, for example, Covid levels in wastewater rose from almost zero in July this year to around 700 gene copies per person, indicating a viral load.
One idea is that the new JN.1 variant has changed its cell entry requirements, perhaps to evade vaccine immunity or previous infections.
Professor Johnson said it was “possible” that the new dominant JN.1 variant of Covid was more concentrated in the gut – but he said this was not the case. so far direct evidence for the theory.
But many other coronaviruses infect the gut, Professor Johnson said, “so it wouldn’t be that surprising.”
He said: “Many coronaviruses cause gastrointestinal problems.” There are some in cats and pigs, in bats. These are not respiratory infections, but gastrointestinal infections.”
JN.1, the strain behind the recent increase in cases, is currently the fastest growing variant.
Monitoring of wastewater in Austria has shown an increase in the virus
The virus is also becoming more and more common in wastewater in the Netherlands
It now accounts for up to 29 percent of Covid cases, a sharp increase from less than one percent in early November.
The variant is both more infectious and better able to evade the immune system than other strains. But there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease than other circulating variants.
The latest CDC data shows that nearly every state is reporting at least “high” levels of Covid in wastewater.
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There has also been a steady increase in virus activity in wastewater over the past six months.
Meanwhile, wastewater detections have increased dramatically in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Singapore.
Wastewater surveillance research was conducted during the pandemic to detect new variants and provide early warning to authorities about outbreaks.
The examination of waste water samples was crucial to discover certain Covid variants, because even if someone had no symptoms, the virus would still be present in the waste water.
Anyone infected with a virus excretes small pieces of their DNA in their stool.
Australian virologist Stuart Turville believes JN.1 takes a new route to cells and favors intestinal cells.
JN.1 shows a greater preference for an uncleaved version of the cell surface protein ACE-2, which can lead to various tissue infections, for example in the intestine.
Professor Johnson said: “Dr. Turville found that the newer genera prefer a slightly different version of the receptor that is more common in the digestive tract, which could be supporting evidence.
“But a more likely explanation is that we are currently seeing increasing waves,” he added.
The World Health Organization this week identified JN.1 as a variant of interest, and the CDC said hospitals and emergency rooms in the US could be forced to ration care.
“Intense gastrointestinal infections” from Covid “can occur,” Professor Johnson said.
“We find evidence of people who have been infected for years and are shedding insane amounts of virus, allowing us to locate them in the sewage sheds of over 100,000 people.”
However, there has not yet been a corresponding increase in hospitalizations or stomach symptoms, which would support the idea that JN.1 is more stomach-targeted.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
