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Bacteriome Signature in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients Correlates with Increased Gut Permeability and Systemic
Larissa S Souza1, Alexandre S Ferreira-Junior1, Pedro C Estella2
1Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences (IBB), Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil.
Microorganisms
|June 27, 2025
Summary
COVID-19 infection alters gut bacteria, increasing intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation via the gut-lung axis. Restoring gut microbiota balance may aid immune response in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic revealed intricate links between gut microbiota and immune health, particularly via the gut-lung axis.
- Gut dysbiosis (impaired microbial diversity and function) is increasingly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity.
- Understanding these gut-immune interactions is crucial for managing COVID-19 and its long-term effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gut bacteriome composition and intestinal permeability in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals.
- To evaluate systemic and mucosal immune responses in relation to gut health during and after COVID-19.
- To explore correlations between specific gut microbes, inflammatory markers, and intestinal barrier function.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut bacteriome in COVID-19 patients, post-COVID-19 condition patients, and healthy controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured plasma inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ) and fecal secretory IgA.
- Intestinal permeability was assessed by measuring serum zonulin levels.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in gut microbial alpha and beta diversity were observed in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups compared to controls.
- Distinct microbial profiles and altered abundance of specific bacterial genera were identified in infected individuals.
- Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and zonulin indicated heightened systemic inflammation and compromised gut barrier function.
- Specific bacteria like *Enterobacteriaceae* and *Escherichia-Shigella* correlated with increased zonulin, suggesting a link to bacterial translocation.
Conclusions:
- Gut dysbiosis is a prominent feature in SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID-19 condition.
- Compromised intestinal barrier function and bacterial translocation may contribute to systemic inflammation in COVID-19 patients.
- Targeting the gut microbiota through the gut-lung axis presents a potential therapeutic strategy for immune regulation in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Keywords:
COVID-19bacteriome profilegut permeabilitygut-lung axisinflammatory cytokinespost-COVID-19 conditionMore Related Videos
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