Figure 1.

The nonsimultaneous nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection characterizing the pulmonary system and the gastrointestinal tract. As the COVID-2 outbreak spreads worldwide, many individuals have experienced gastrointestinal distress, considered as the most common nonrespiratory symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, these subjects 1) have no respiratory symptoms, 2) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory system and feces, 3) exhibit live virus and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in feces even if pharyngeal specimens are no longer positive, and 4) display SARS-CoV-2 presence in various gastrointestinal sites such as esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and rectum. Therefore, caution is recommended, so as to not underestimate gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of respiratory illness. Created with Servier Medical Art.