Scientists have started to investigate the role gut microbiota might play in either protecting against COVID-19 or on the contrary in increasing vulnerability to severe symptomatic disease. Any conclusions would be highly relevant to preventing increased mortality among elderly nursing home residents.
Is gut microbiome-lung crosstalk worth considering during the current COVID-19 pandemic?
11 May 2020by Andreu Prados
While patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 typically present with a respiratory illness, certain patients also report gastrointestinal symptoms. The presence of virus receptors in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and an altered gut microbiota composition in some patients might have implications for managing COVID-19.