Blood samples revealed this microbial imbalance was also linked to higher levels of cytokines, small molecules which are a natural part of the immune response but can cause damage if not properly regulated.
A hallmark of severe COVID-19 is the immune system going haywire following coronavirus infection and, in severe cases, attacking healthy cells and tissues.
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The study was observational and is unable to say if COVID-19 changes the gut microbiome, or a weakened microbiome leads to more severe infection.
However, a separate study by South Korean researchers, published in Mbio, although only a review, indicates the latter option is the most likely.
Source: Daily Express
