Covid-19
is a major pandemic facing the world today caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has
implications on our understanding of infectious diseases. Although, SARS-Cov-2
primarily causes lung infection through binding of ACE2 receptors present on
the alveolar epithelial cells, yet it was recently reported that SARS-CoV-2 RNA
was found in the faeces of infected patients. Interestingly, the intestinal
epithelial cells particularly the enterocytes of the small intestine also
express ACE2 receptors. Role of the gut microbiota in influencing lung diseases
has been well articulated. It is also known that respiratory virus infection
causes perturbations in the gut microbiota. Diet, environmental factors and
genetics play an important role in shaping gut microbiota which can influence
immunity. Gut microbiota diversity is decreased in old age and Covid-19 has
been mainly fatal in elderly patients which again points to the role the gut
microbiota may play in this disease. Improving gut microbiota profile by
personalized nutrition and supplementation known to improve immunity can be one
of the prophylactic ways by which the impact of this disease can be minimized
in old people and immune-compromised patients. More trials may be initiated to
see the effect of co-supplementation of personalized functional food including
prebiotics/probiotics along with current therapies.
For more on this please read my review published in the peer reviewed journal - Virus Research
