In a new study from King’s College London, researchers examined samples of intestines from people who have died of COVID-19 and found the impact of the virus on the gut immune system.
The study looked at samples of the gastrointestinal tract from patients who died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic.
Lymphoid tissue in the gut normally maintains healthy intestinal microbial populations which are essential for good health.
Researchers observed that the system that would normally regulate the composition of the microbial communities was severely disrupted in severe COVID-19.
This was irrespective of whether there was evidence of a virus present in the gut or not.
While severe COVID-19 can lead to breathing problems and high fever, some patients can experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which suggests the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract.
The team says this study shows that in severe COVID-19, this key component of the immune system is disrupted, whether the intestine itself is infected with SARS-CoV-2 or not.
This would likely contribute to the disturbances in intestinal microbial populations in COVID-19 reported by others.
Observations of the samples found the structure and cellularity in gut microbe had been altered independently of the local levels of the virus.
This included depletion of the germinal centers, which normally propagate antibody-producing cells, in patients who died with COVID-19.
This resulting poor gut health could lead to a reduction in microbial diversity, known as dysbiosis.
Researchers also noted that the findings suggest that oral vaccination may not be effective if the patient is already ill, as the gut immune system is already compromised.
If you care about gut health, please read studies about major cause of fatty liver disease, leaky gut, and diet that may boost your gut health and weight loss.
For more information about COVID, please see recent studies that many Americans take immune-weakening drugs that may lower COVID vaccine response, and why bald men may have higher risk of severe COVID-19.
The study is published in Frontiers in Immunology and was conducted by Professor Jo Spencer et al.
Copyright © 2022 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
