Gut in COVID 19-is it worth noticing

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is primarily known for respiratory symptoms.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement in COVID-19 is significant, with up to 53% of patients experiencing GI symptoms.
• SARS-CoV-2 utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors, prevalent in the GI tract, for viral entry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of gastrointestinal symptoms as diagnostic markers for COVID-19.
• To explore the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects the GI tract.
• To discuss the spectrum of GI manifestations and their potential impact on COVID-19 patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on COVID-19 and gastrointestinal manifestations.
• Analysis of viral entry mechanisms via ACE receptors in the GI tract.
• Examination of the gut-lung axis in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent in COVID-19 patients, ranging from mild (nausea, diarrhea) to severe (mesenteric vein thrombosis).
• The virus impacts the GI tract epithelium, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic systems.
• Anorexia correlates with inflammation; agueusia and anosmia suggest a better prognosis.
• Psychiatric symptoms may be more frequent in patients with GI involvement, linked by inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms are critical indicators for COVID-19 diagnosis and management.
• The gut-lung axis plays a role in COVID-19, affecting multiple organ systems.
• Symptomatic treatment and hygiene are essential, particularly regarding potential fecal viral shedding.