Rachel V Thomas

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Long COVID: Mouth And Lung Bacteria May Offer Clues

A study of more than 700 individuals found distinct differences in the mix of bacteria in the mouths and lungs of those with severe <span>long COVID</span>.

Published in the European Respiratory Journal, the study found that differences in the lung microbiome were linked to respiratory problems, cognitive difficulties and digestive symptoms associated with long <span>COVID</span>.

The findings may help researchers understand why some people develop long COVID and identify potential treatments, according to the team from the University of Dundee, UK.

"The microbiome is important to maintain health throughout the body, so it is a strong candidate for something that may contribute to long COVID,” said lead author Dr. Daniela Alferes de Lima Headley.  

The observational study included 771 adults who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 between February 2020 and March 2021. Researchers grouped participants according to the severity of their ongoing health problems and symptoms.

The participants had an average age of 57.5 years, and 38.5% were women.

Six months after hospital discharge, researchers collected saliva samples to examine microbes in the mouth and sputum samples to study the lung microbiome. They used DNA sequencing to identify the microbes and analyze their diversity. Participants also completed questionnaires about their symptoms.

The results showed that people with very severe long COVID had distinct differences in their oral and lung microbiomes compared with those who had fewer ongoing symptoms.

Microbiome differences were also associated with:

<ul><li><ul><li>Respiratory problems: Reduced lung function.</li><li>Cognitive symptoms: Brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty with attention and concentration.</li><li>Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite.</li></ul></li></ul>

<h2>Bacterial Changes Linked To Inflammation</h2>

Further, the changes associated with long COVID symptoms also included an increased abundance of bacteria that produce lactic acid. These changes were also linked to signs of inflammation in participants' blood samples.

James Chalmers, chair of respiratory research at the University of Dundee, said the greatest microbiome changes were found in people with the most severe symptoms five to six months after COVID-19.

"We also found that changes in the airway microbiome were linked not just to lung problems, but also to symptoms like brain fog and gut symptoms, suggesting the lung microbiome could have effects on health more broadly," he added.

However, the researchers do not yet know whether these microbiome differences existed before COVID-19 or developed after infection. The long-term effects of these changes also remain unknown.

<h2>Could The Findings Lead To New Treatments?</h2>

Chalmers said more research is needed to understand what causes long COVID, which continues to affect many people worldwide.

Because the microbiome can be altered through interventions such as antibiotics and probiotics, understanding its role could help researchers explore potential treatment options.

Long COVID refers to new, returning or ongoing health problems that persist four or more weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection. Symptoms can last for months or even years.

Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating and slowed thinking.

Research has also suggested that brain inflammation may persist even after the virus is no longer detectable.

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A study of more than 700 individuals found distinct differences in the mix of bacteria in the mouths and lungs of those with severe long COVID.Published in the European Respiratory Journal, the study found that differences in the lung microbiome were linked to respiratory problems, cognitive difficulties and digestive symptoms associated with long COVID.The findings may help researchers understand why some people develop long COVID and identify potential treatments, according to the team from the University of Dundee, UK."The microbiome is important to maintain health throughout the body, so it is a strong candidate for something that may contribute to long COVID,” said lead author Dr. Daniela Alferes de Lima Headley.   What Did The Study Find?The observational study included 771 adults who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 between February 2020 and March 2021. Researchers grouped participants according to the severity of their ongoing health problems and symptoms.The participants had an average age of 57.5 years, and 38.5% were women.Six months after hospital discharge, researchers collected saliva samples to examine microbes in the mouth and sputum samples to study the lung microbiome. They used DNA sequencing to identify the microbes and analyze their diversity. Participants also completed questionnaires about their symptoms.The results showed that people with very severe long COVID had distinct differences in their oral and lung microbiomes compared with those who had fewer ongoing symptoms.Microbiome differences were also associated with:Respiratory problems: Reduced lung function.Cognitive symptoms: Brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty with attention and concentration.Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite.Bacterial Changes Linked To InflammationFurther, the changes associated with long COVID symptoms also included an increased abundance of bacteria that produce lactic acid. These changes were also linked to signs of inflammation in participants' blood samples.James Chalmers, chair of respiratory research at the University of Dundee, said the greatest microbiome changes were found in people with the most severe symptoms five to six months after COVID-19."We also found that changes in the airway microbiome were linked not just to lung problems, but also to symptoms like brain fog and gut symptoms, suggesting the lung microbiome could have effects on health more broadly," he added. However, the researchers do not yet know whether these microbiome differences existed before COVID-19 or developed after infection. The long-term effects of these changes also remain unknown.Could The Findings Lead To New Treatments?Chalmers said more research is needed to understand what causes long COVID, which continues to affect many people worldwide.Because the microbiome can be altered through interventions such as antibiotics and probiotics, understanding its role could help researchers explore potential treatment options.What Is Long COVID?  Long COVID refers to new, returning or ongoing health problems that persist four or more weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection. Symptoms can last for months or even years.Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating and slowed thinking.Research has also suggested that brain inflammation may persist even after the virus is no longer detectable.

long covid: mouth and lung bacteria may offer clues

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