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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Gut microbiota and Covid-19- possible link and implications
Debojyoti Dhar1, Abhishek Mohanty2
1Leucine Rich Bio Pvt Ltd., Bengaluru, India.
Virus Research
|May 21, 2020
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing COVID-19, may impact the gut microbiota. Modulating gut bacteria through personalized nutrition and probiotics could be a strategy to mitigate severe COVID-19 outcomes, especially in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily infects lung alveolar epithelial cells via ACE2 receptors.
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in the feces of infected individuals, suggesting potential intestinal involvement as enterocytes also express ACE2.
- Gut microbiota alterations are linked to lung diseases, and respiratory viral infections can disrupt gut microbial composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19.
- To investigate the connection between gut microbiota, aging, and COVID-19 outcomes.
- To propose gut microbiota modulation as a potential prophylactic strategy against severe COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 receptors, gut microbiota, and immune function.
- Analysis of the correlation between decreased gut microbiota diversity in the elderly and higher COVID-19 mortality rates.
- Consideration of dietary factors, environmental influences, and genetics in shaping gut microbiota.
Main Results:
- The expression of ACE2 receptors in intestinal epithelial cells suggests a potential route for SARS-CoV-2 infection or interaction within the gut.
- Reduced gut microbiota diversity, common in older individuals, may contribute to increased susceptibility and severity of COVID-19.
- Gut microbiota perturbations are known to influence systemic immunity, potentially impacting the host's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota may play a significant role in the immune response and overall outcome of COVID-19.
- Personalized nutrition and supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics could enhance immunity and potentially reduce the impact of COVID-19.
- Further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of combined functional foods, prebiotics, and probiotics with standard COVID-19 therapies.
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