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Gut microbiota and COVID-19: A systematic review
SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi1, Arian Afzalian2, Zahra Pashaei1
1Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
Health Science Reports
|February 1, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 infection alters the gut and upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota, increasing opportunistic pathogens. This dysbiosis may influence disease severity and viral load, highlighting the need for further microbiome research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Alterations in the human gut microbiota are observed in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
- The gut and upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota interact closely with the host immune system.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the specific associations between microbiota and SARS-CoV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of gut microbiota on SARS-CoV-2 infection and its severity.
- To investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gut microbiota composition.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases up to December 31, 2021.
- Study selection involved a two-stage screening process (title/abstract, then full-text).
- Data extraction and bias assessment were performed using a pre-designed table, PRISMA checklist, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three publications were included in the review.
- Significant differences in gut and lung microbiota composition were found in COVID-19 patients, especially those with moderate to severe disease, compared to healthy individuals.
- Microbiota composition likely influences COVID-19 disease severity and viral load.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 patients exhibit distinct URT and gut microbiota compared to healthy individuals, characterized by an increase in opportunistic pathogens.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the potential bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and the human microbiome.
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