Although it is at COVID-19 primarily about one Respiratory disease There is increasing evidence that this is the case Gut microbiome involved in this disease. Depending on which bacterium is present the intestinal microbiome can improve or worsen the course of the disease. The influence of our intestines also makes sense because it has approx. 80% of our immune system accommodated.
The immune system is a defense system
A defense system that includes many biological structures and processes within an organism and protects against disease. To function properly, an immune system must recognize a variety of pathogens and distinguish them from the organism's own healthy tissue. Read more about how your gut microbiome strengthens your immune system.
Intestinal problems are often the only symptom
It is now known that the corona virus not only affects the respiratory tract, but also other organs, such as the Gut microbiome. Scientists from Canada analyzed 36 studies and found that 18% of those affected digestive problems such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In 16% of corona patients Intestinal problems are the only symptoms.
Around 80% of immune cells are located in the intestine.
Changes in the intestinal flora in severe corona courses
It is already known that one too strong a reaction of the immune system on the corona virus influences the course of the disease. If the immune system acts too strongly against the pathogen, then step more severe side effects and more frequent complications on. As we already know, the gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Around 80% of immune cells are located in the intestine. A healthy intestinal microbiome brings the immune system into balance, prevents excessive defense reactions and at the same time has a positive effect on a weakened immune system.
Connections between microbiome, severity and progression
Scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have found connections between a disrupted microbiome (dysbiosis), the severity and course of a corona infection can prove. For this purpose, stool samples from 87 infected patients and 13 people who were currently recovering from the corona infection were analyzed. These were compared with 78 stool samples that had already been obtained from healthy volunteers before the corona pandemic. The evaluation showed clear differences between infected and healthy people.
When the intestinal microbiome becomes out of balance (dysbiosis)
Were in the study severe courses of the disease with a deficiency of certain bacteria tied together. Faecalbacterium prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium bifidum were particularly poorly represented. Even after the infection had subsided, these bacteria were still present in too small numbers. At the same time one could Relationship between disruption of the intestinal microbiome and the level of various inflammatory parameters be determined.
It is suspected that a Imbalance of the intestinal microbiome (dysbiosis) could be responsible for the extent of the disease, as it can lead to a dysregulation of the immune system.
The basis of a healthy intestinal microbiome and immune system is the right diet and lifestyle.
Further research is necessary
There are still many unanswered questions in this area, but what is certain is that an intestinal microbiome that is out of balance is responsible for many complaints and influences our overall health and well-being. We recommend checking the gut microbiome regularly to control and consciously with diet and lifestyle to ensure a strong intestinal microbiome and immune system.
References
- Lui, K., Wilson, M.P. & Low, G. Abdominal imaging findings in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a scoping review. Abdom Radiol (2020)
- Yun Kit Yeoh et al; Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with CORONA; Gut BMJ Journals (2021)
