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Updated: Oct 19, 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 Microbiome Alterations in COVID-19.
Tao Zuo1, Xiaojian Wu2, Weiping Wen3
1Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Center for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Research, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China.
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
|September 24, 2021
Summary
The gut microbiome is significantly altered in COVID-19 patients, showing reduced diversity and weakened networks. These changes, including the loss of beneficial microbes, can persist post-infection and contribute to long COVID symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health and disease.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding host-microbe interactions.
- Alterations in the gut microbiome have been implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the comprehensive changes in the gut microbiome during COVID-19.
- To explore the relationship between gut microbiome alterations and disease severity.
- To understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the gut microbiome and host health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bacterial microbiome, mycobiome, and virome in COVID-19 patients.
- Assessment of gut microbial ecological network structure and diversity.
- Correlation of microbiome features with disease severity and long COVID symptoms.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 is associated with a weakened and sparse gut microbial ecological network and reduced diversity.
- Enrichment of opportunistic microbes and depletion of symbiotic bacteria observed in COVID-19 patients.
- Persistent microbiome alterations found in a subset of patients, correlating with long COVID.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome is broadly dysbiotic in COVID-19, influenced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and host immunity.
- Impaired immunity and microbial dysbiosis may hinder microbiome recovery post-COVID-19.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of the gut microbiome in COVID-19 immunity and long-term health outcomes.
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