Gut Microbiome May Help or Hinder Defenses Against SARS-CoV-2

Bianca Nogrady

When SARS-CoV-2 first began rampaging around the world, it was thought to primarily affect the respiratory system. It soon became clear that the virus had more far-reaching effects, including on the gastrointestinal system and its bacterial symbionts. 

One early study suggested that nearly 20 percent of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection had gastrointestinal symptoms. That same study found that COVID-19–infected people shed viral RNA in their feces—another clue that the virus was getting into the gut.

Since then, researchers have identified patterns in the makeup of gut bacteria—a state called ‘dysbiosis’ in which there is loss of diversity and beneficial bacteria but an increase in bad bacteria—that are associated with poorer outcomes and slower recovery from COVID-19. 

Latest articles

Madhava Setty Primum non nocere, “first and foremost, I will do no...
Emily Kopp and Karolina Corin A team of Western virologists could face...
privacyisyourright.ca Using the declaration of a pandemic as an excuse, the CPSO...
Aric Cox Many of you have been on protocol, after protocol, after...
Jeffrey Jaxen Talking to the news host, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach...
Merinda Teller Over the past six decades, solid organ transplantation has gone...

Thank you!

Thank you for your membership application. As soon as your payment has been received your membership will be activated and you will be informed via email.

Thank you.

Thank you!

The form has been submitted successfully!