Summary:
Lingering COVID-19 symptoms are commonly reported, sometimes persisting long after the initial infection. This condition, known as post-COVID syndrome (PCS) or long COVID, affects approximately 10% of COVID-19 patients. Symptoms vary widely and may include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, digestive issues, and nervous system dysfunctions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Despite ongoing research, the exact causes of PCS remain unclear. Digestive symptoms are prevalent in both COVID-19 and long COVID, with 12% of individuals experiencing them during the initial infection and 22% continuing to have issues afterward. This has led researchers to investigate the role of gut bacteria in PCS, particularly their influence on immune function and metabolism. A diverse gut microbiome is generally linked to good health, while lower diversity is associated with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Factors like antibiotic use, stress, diet, and environmental exposures can disrupt gut bacteria, potentially worsening inflammation and immune dysfunction. This review examines the connection between the gut microbiome and PCS, focusing on how gut bacteria affect the body, including interactions through the gut-brain and gut-lung pathways. Researchers are also exploring whether gut-targeted treatments, such as prebiotics and probiotics, could help manage PCS symptoms. The findings suggested that PCS is linked to changes in the gut microbiome; however, the wide range of symptoms and individual differences in gut bacteria indicate that personalized treatment approaches may be necessary. Therapies aimed at improving gut health, including prebiotics and probiotics, could enhance the well-being of those affected by PCS.
Abstract:
Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) patients have reported a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. Particularly, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms has led to the hypothesis that the gut microbiome is involved in the development and severity of PCS. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the role of the gut microbiome in PCS by describing the microbial composition and microbial metabolites in COVID-19 and PCS. Moreover, host–microbe interactions via the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) and the microbiota-gut-lung (MGL) axes are described. Furthermore, we explore the potential of therapeutically targeting the gut microbiome to support the recovery of PCS by reviewing preclinical model systems and clinical studies. Overall, current studies provide evidence that the gut microbiota is affected in PCS; however, diversity in symptoms and highly individual microbiota compositions suggest the need for personalized medicine. Gut-targeted therapies, including treatments with pre- and probiotics, have the potential to improve the quality of life of affected individuals.
Article Publication Date: 17/09/2024
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2402544
