Severe COVID-19 disrupts gut health, study finds


PTI, Feb 21, 2022, 4:56 PM IST

London: Severe COVID-19 compromises gut health, according to a study of intestinal samples collected from people who have died of the viral disease.

The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, 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 from King’s College London in the UK observed that the system that would normally regulate the composition of the microbial communities — otherwise known as Peyer’s Patches — were severely disrupted in severe COVID-19.

This was irrespective of whether there was evidence of virus present in the gut or not, they said.

The researchers noted that 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.

”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,” said Professor Jo Spencer, from King’s College London.

”This would likely contribute to the disturbances in intestinal microbial populations in COVID-19 reported by others,” Spencer said. Observations of the samples found the structure and cellularity in Peyer’s Patches — a grouping of lymphoid follicles that lines the small intestines — 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 local immunity could lead to a reduction in microbial diversity, known as dysbiosis.

Researchers said the findings suggest that oral vaccination may not be effective if the patient is already ill, as the gut immune system is already compromised.

”In the future, it will be important to understand factors driving such lymphoid tissue dysregulation in severe inflammatory responses,” Spencer added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Parliamentary panel to examine issue of lateral entry

Fresh plea in SC seeks probe into US indictment of Gautam Adani

Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli my favourite cricketers: Ex-CJI D Y Chandrachud

Veg diet, alcohol abstinence, behaviour training: UP cops prep for ‘pleasant’ Maha Kumbh

Senior BJP leaders meet Fadnavis after Mahayuti’s landslide win

Vijayapura: One-year-old child abducted from district hosp

‘Mrs’ a beautiful blend of my two passions acting and dancing: Sanya Malhotra

Related Articles More

Mangaluru: Campco opposes WHO’s claim of arecanut being carcinogenic

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

As Delhi chokes with dangerous pollution levels, doctors warn of health risks for all

World Diabetes Day 2024: Kasturba Hospital Manipal Hosts Zumba Session at Malpe Beach to Raise Diabetes Awareness

MUST WATCH

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation


Latest Additions

People taught befitting lesson to those talking about breaking country: Kangana on Maharashtra polls

Parliamentary panel to examine issue of lateral entry

Fresh plea in SC seeks probe into US indictment of Gautam Adani

Sambhal violence orchestrated by BJP, govt to divert attention from poll rigging: Akhilesh

Cloth merchant booked for cheating raw material supplier of Rs 30 lakh

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.