A new study from the Medical University of Vienna has revealed how gastrointestinal health significantly affects the development of post-Covid syndrome.
The research, published in the journal Allergy, demonstrates that patients with pre-existing gut complaints face an increased risk of developing post-viral fatigue.
The study, led by Eva Untersmayr-Elsenhuber from MedUni Vienna's Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, examined the course of Covid infections and gastrointestinal symptoms before, during and after infection.
Researchers studies the blood, saliva and stool samples of post-COVID syndrome patients
GETTY
Blood, saliva and stool samples from post-Covid syndrome patients were also analysed to understand the underlying mechanisms linking gut health to long-term Covid effects.
The research findings revealed significant changes in biomarkers among post-Covid syndrome patients.
PCS patients showed an increased LBP/sCD14 ratio and lower IL-33 levels, indicating altered immune activation and a reduced intestinal barrier.
Additionally, increased IL-6 levels were found, which are considered a marker for systemic inflammatory reactions.
"Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection can have long-term effects on the immune system and intestinal health that contribute to the development of PCS," said Eva Untersmayr-Elsenhuber, co-director of the National Reference Center for Postviral Syndromes at MedUni Vienna.
Lead author Johanna Rohrhofer noted that study participants were mostly young and healthy before infection, adding: "Even the Covid disease was mostly mild or even asymptomatic."
The study underlined the central role of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of long-term consequences after Covid.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
New findings suggest Covid has long-term effects on the immune system and intestinal health
GETTY
Monitoring gastrointestinal symptoms and biomarkers could help identify at-risk patients at an early stage and develop targeted treatment strategies.
This could be particularly important for the treatment of post-viral fatigue. The research team plans to validate the findings in further studies to strengthen their conclusions.
"The identification of predictive markers for PCS could enable personalised prevention and treatment in the future," said Eva Untersmayr-Elsenhuber.
The findings suggest that understanding gut health's role in post-Covid syndrome could lead to more effective approaches for managing and preventing long-term complications in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Most Read
