The deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus might be more contagious than was previously thought. Scientists at two different institutions reported this week that SARS might be transmitted by contaminated food or water, droplets of mucus, urine, feces or sweat.

Researchers at the Groningen University Hospital in the Netherlands and the First Military Medical University in south China's Guangzhou said their findings emphasized the need for more stringent infection control.

Scientists at the First Military Medical University tested tissue samples from four people who had died of SARS. They found the SARS virus-a form of coronavirus--appeared in many organs and tissues of the patients, including the stomach, small intestine, sweat glands, liver and brain.

"As a result of our work, we recommend new infection control measures, which include having patients wear gloves, disposable gowns and eye protection . . . and to avoid kissing or touching other people," the Journal of Pathology quoted Dr. Ding Yanqing, the researcher who led the Chinese study, as saying.

Both the Chinese and Dutch research papers were published this week in the British journal.

Scientists also say the virus may be released into environment via feces and urine from individuals with the disease.

The Dutch scientists found receptors that enable the SARS virus to bind to cells in the lungs, kidneys and the lining of the small intestine and on sweat glands, arteries and veins.

"We revealed a small piece of the puzzle, . . . which indicates that once the virus is in the blood it could affect all kinds of organs," said Dr. Harry van Goor, one of the supervisors of the study in the Netherlands. "There is a strong possibility that SARS could be spread via water and skin contact. Our findings may benefit a lot of people . . .  and make them be very cautious about contact with SARS patients."

SARS infected more than 8,000 people in nearly 30 countries and killed nearly 800 in 2003. Symptoms include a high fever accompanied by a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Scientists identified as its cause a new mutation from the family of coronaviruses, which are also implicated in the common cold and a range of animal illnesses.

(Agencies via China Daily May 8, 2004)