Gut microbe–host interactions in post-COVID syndrome: a debilitating or restorative partnership?

Abstract

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) patients have reported a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. Particularly, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms has led to the hypothesis that the gut microbiome is involved in the development and severity of PCS. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the role of the gut microbiome in PCS by describing the microbial composition and microbial metabolites in COVID-19 and PCS. Moreover, host–microbe interactions via the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) and the microbiota-gut-lung (MGL) axes are described. Furthermore, we explore the potential of therapeutically targeting the gut microbiome to support the recovery of PCS by reviewing preclinical model systems and clinical studies. Overall, current studies provide evidence that the gut microbiota is affected in PCS; however, diversity in symptoms and highly individual microbiota compositions suggest the need for personalized medicine. Gut-targeted therapies, including treatments with pre- and probiotics, have the potential to improve the quality of life of affected individuals.