Alterations of Gut Microbiota Composition in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Brief Review

Abstract

Respiratory diseases are strongly connected to the richness and composition of gut microbiota as reported in asthma and influenza A infection. Gut commensal microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate the physical barrier in gastrointestinal tract, host immune response, and homeostasis. As one of the respiratory diseases, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been reported affecting the composition of intestinal microbiome. Herein, we discuss the current research of gut microbiota composition in SARS-CoV-2 cases. The evidence of changing the composition of SCFAs-producing bacteria and pathogenic bacteria in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are presented. Additionally, the roles of SARS-CoV-2 infection and gut-lung axis against the dysbiosis and its implication are discussed.