Alteration of Gut Microbiota Affects the Severity and Complications of COVID-19
Research shows that depletion of certain types of bacteria in the gut lead to more severe cases of COVID-19, while the presence of others boosts immunity.
Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota are associated with the development, severity, and sequelae of COVID-19 infection.
In the adult digestive tract, there are approximately 100 trillion microbes, 10 times the number of human cells, and they weigh about 4.41 pounds. These organisms are immune system guardians and can help remove viruses.
Certain Gut Bacteria Can Inactivate COVID-19 Virus
In a new study published in Cell Host & Microbe, researchers evaluated the impact of gut microbiota composition on respiratory viral infections through animal experiments. The results showed that segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) in the gut could protect mice from viral influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the COVID-19 virus.
Ellen Wan
Author
Ellen Wan has worked for the Japanese edition of The Epoch Times since 2007.
