*1.3. Route of Transmission*

Based on our current knowledge, spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 occurs from person to person via respiratory droplets (defined as particles > 5 μm). Risk factors are close contact (≤2 m), especially over a prolonged time (generally considered to be >15 min), and direct contact with infectious secretions like sputum or blood [13]. A fecal−oral transmission appears likely but has not been proven yet [14]. Not only can SARS-CoV-2 be found in feces, but also stool samples can remain positive even when samples from the respiratory tract have become negative [15].

The gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients with COVID-19 may be explained by the extended persistence and shedding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a disease called COVID-19 that predominantly affects the lungs. The impact of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients after solid organ transplantation (SOT) is largely unknown, as only a small number of such infections have occurred so far, and detailed reports are still awaited.
