Graduation Year
2024
Date of Submission
12-2023
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Biology
Reader 1
Anna Ahn
Reader 2
Diane Thomson
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacts not only respiratory but also gut and oral microbiomes, influencing the manifestations of COVID-19. Each person’s unique microbiome consists of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, some of which are symbiotic and others potentially harmful. Alterations in the gut microbiome, specifically, can affect the severity and symptoms of COVID-19. A review of studies indicate a pattern of gut dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients characterized by a decrease in beneficial microbiota and/or an increase in opportunistic pathogens. This gut imbalance correlates with disease severity, suggesting that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in the body's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and gut dysbiosis warrants research on possible therapeutics that could rebalance the gut microbiome both pre- and post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Though COVID-19’s manifestations are multifaceted, research focused on the depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria could prove to be fruitful in developing effective treatments.
Recommended Citation
Escobar, Ednita, "Gut Dysbiosis Correlates with COVID-19 Severity" (2024). CMC Senior Theses. 3414.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3414
Included in
Diseases Commons, Immunology and Infectious Disease Commons, Microbiology Commons, Organisms Commons
