Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Ascitic Fluid of Cirrhotic COVID-19 Patients: Case Series and Literature Review
SARS-CoV-2 has been identified in multiple organs and fluids, including the liver and peritoneal fluid. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, can exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes by contributing to complications, like acid–base imbalances and cardiovascular dysfunction, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions. We report three cases of COVID-19 cirrhotic patients with SARS-CoV-2 detected in their ascitic fluid and review the relevant literature on the virus’s presence and clinical significance in peritoneal fluid. These findings underscore diagnostic and prognostic challenges in managing COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver disease and highlight the need for further research to clarify viral dissemination mechanisms and optimize protective measures for healthcare workers during surgical procedures.
Authors
- Ylenia Russotto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9514-133X)
- Giuseppe Mancuso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5454-3228)
- Cristina Micali (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6753-6676)
- Emmanuele Venanzi Rullo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8273-5382)
- Grazia Caci (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1325-0466)
- Edoardo Campanella
- Aldo Sitibondo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8534-8767)
- Roberto Filomia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8335-6816)
- Giuseppe Nunnari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8113-8452)
- Natascia Laganà
- Angelina Midiri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4128-9678)
- Andrea Marıno (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5650-6911)
- Giovanni Francesco Pellicanò (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9640-8742)
- Serena Spampinato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0149-2078)
- Antonino Botindari
Institutions
- University of Messina (IT)
- University of Catania (IT)
- Policlinico Universitario di Catania (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- COVID
- Published
- 2025-04-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5040058
- Primary Topic
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00