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Investigating the Role of Gut Microbiota in Pediatric Patients with Severe COVID-19 or MIS-C
Elena Franchitti1, Paolo Bottino1,2, Francesca Sidoti3
1Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
Insights
This study compared gut microbiota in children with severe COVID-19 and MIS-C. Differences in microbial diversity were found, suggesting potential biomarkers for early MIS-C diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Severe COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) are serious outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- MIS-C often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating a potential link to gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the gut microbiota composition in pediatric patients with severe COVID-19 versus MIS-C.
- To identify specific microbial alterations associated with these severe conditions in children.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal samples from hospitalized children diagnosed with severe COVID-19 (37) or MIS-C (37).
- Utilized Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) for microbial assessment.
- Considered the impact of pharmacological treatments like antibiotics and corticosteroids on microbiota.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed between severe COVID-19 and MIS-C groups, especially in low-abundance species.
- While levels of *Bacteroides*, *Bifidobacterium*, and *Akkermansia muciniphila* were similar, *Bifidobacterium* activity was higher in children with positive fecal samples (p=0.019).
- Early age was the most significant factor influencing microbiota diversity.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition differs significantly between severe COVID-19 and MIS-C in children.
- Investigating lesser-known gut species could aid in reducing severe outcomes and developing early diagnostic biomarkers for MIS-C.
- Early age is a critical factor impacting gut microbial diversity in pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Abstract:
Severe COVID-19 and MIS-C are rare but serious outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The onset of MIS-C often involves the gastrointestinal system, suggesting a potential connection with gut microbiota. This study aims to compare the gut microbiota of children with severe COVID-19 and those with MIS-C using various biomolecular approaches. Gut microbiota composition and specific microbial modulations were analyzed using fecal samples collected at hospital admission. The study included hospitalized patients (mean age 6 ± 5 years) diagnosed with severe COVID-19 (37 patients) or MIS-C (37 patients). Microbial differences were assessed using both NGS and qRT-PCR methodologies. In 75% of cases, pharmacological treatments included antibiotics and corticosteroids, which influenced the microbiota composition. Early age was found to have the most significant impact on microbiota diversity. Significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed between COVID-19 and MIS-C patients, particularly concerning low-abundance species. Levels of Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila were comparable between groups, while an increased activity of Bifidobacterium spp. was noted in children with positive fecal samples (p = 0.019). An in-depth evaluation of lesser-known gut species may be key to reducing the risk of severe outcomes and developing microbiota-based biomarkers for the early diagnosis of MIS-C.
