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SARS-CoV-2 Persistence and the Gut Microbiota: New Insights into Long COVID Pathogenesis
Sofia De Stefanis1, Francesca Colavita2, Fabrizio Maggi2,3
1Ph.D. Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
None:
In December 2019, the world experienced the emergence of a new virus, SARS-CoV-2, which caused the 2020 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, primarily affecting the respiratory system, as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Remarkably, one in eight COVID-19 patients develops Long COVID, which is linked to SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in chronic inflammation and microbiota dysregulation. Given that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal role in antiviral defense and gastrointestinal conditions, here we examine emerging evidence on how persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to the aetiology of enteric disorders. In particular, we emphasise the intricate connection between chronic inflammation caused by persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease) and the possible development of diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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