Possible Link between Gut Microbiota, Diet, and COVID-19 Infection

Paria  Fazli; Shima  Saberifard; Mahla  Azimi; Zahra Miri  Kordkandi; Bita  Zandi; Fatemeh  Roozbahani; Yalda  Malekzadegan; Mohammad  Ghodratie; Fatemeh  Sameni

doi:10.18502/jmb.v12i4.17009

Paria Fazli Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Shima Saberifard Department of Microbiology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran
Mahla Azimi Department of Genetics, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Zahra Miri Kordkandi Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Bita Zandi Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine ،Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Fatemeh Roozbahani Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Yalda Malekzadegan Department of Microbiology, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
Mohammad Ghodratie Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
Fatemeh Sameni Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmb.v12i4.17009

Keywords: COVID-19, Dysbiosis, Gut microbiota, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Vitamins

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a concern for world health since it may impact both the upper (nose, throat, sinuses) and lower (trachea, lungs) respiratory tracts. Death (at a rate of 10%), respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are among the problems that might arise. Recent years have seen a global spread of zoonotic coronaviruses, which have caused human epidemics such as MERS and SARS. Various clinical symptoms may be seen in this sickness because to the numerous changes in intestinal homeostasis caused by SARS-CoV-2. Because of the beneficial impact that probiotics have on the host immune system, gastrointestinal disorders may now be effectively treated. This article discusses the close relationship between what we eat, the bacteria in our gut, and the risk of contracting the COV-19 virus.

Conclusion: The relationship between gut microbiota, dietary factors, and COVID-19 severity indicates that the microbiome may influence immune regulation. Imbalances in microbial communities and reduced diversity can intensify inflammation, potentially worsening COVID-19 outcomes. Strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary changes might provide therapeutic benefits by improving gut health and strengthening immune defenses. However, further research is required to clarify these mechanisms and establish effective interventions.