Scientists have discovered changes in bacteria in patients with severe postcovides

British scientists have identified a link between the severe effects of coronavirus infection and changes in the composition of microorganisms in the mouth and respiratory tract. A study of 771 patients showed that the features of the microbiome can be accompanied by impaired breathing, memory, concentration and digestive system. The results were published in the European Respiratory Journal.

The researchers examined data from patients treated for COVID-19 in 38 UK hospitals between February 2020 and March 2021. Five months after discharge, the participants were divided into four groups depending on the severity of their symptoms.

About six months after hospitalization, the researchers took saliva and sputum samples from the patients. Using DNA sequencing, the scientists determined the composition of microorganisms living in the mouth and respiratory tract, and then compared the results with the health of the participants.

The most noticeable changes were found in people with very severe manifestations of long-term COVID. Features of the bacterial composition in these patients were associated with respiratory disorders, deterioration of memory and attention, as well as symptoms from the digestive system.

Special attention was paid to the increased content of bacteria capable of producing lactic acid. Their number also correlated with indicators of inflammation in the blood.

At the same time, experts emphasize that the identified link does not mean that it is the bacteria that cause severe consequences of coronavirus infection. The study does not allow us to establish what came first - changes in the microbiome or long-term health disorders. It is also not known if the bacterial composition existed before COVID-19 infection and whether the microbiome returns to its former state as it recovers.

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