<p>Severe Covid-19 compromises the gut health, according to a study of intestinal samples collected from people who have died of the viral disease.</p>.<p>The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, looked at samples of gastrointestinal tract from patients who died after being diagnosed with Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic.</p>.<p>Lymphoid tissue in the gut normally maintains healthy intestinal microbial populations which are essential for good health.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/us-expert-wants-ba2-strain-of-omicron-variant-declared-a-variant-of-concern-1083617.html" target="_blank">US expert wants BA.2 strain of Omicron variant declared a 'variant of concern'</a></strong></p>.<p>Researchers from King's College London in the UK observed that the system that would normally regulate the composition of the microbial communities -- otherwise known as Peyer's Patches -- were severely disrupted in severe Covid-19.</p>.<p>This was irrespective of whether there was evidence of virus present in the gut or not, they said.</p>.<p>The researchers noted that while severe Covid-19 can lead to breathing problems and high fever, some patients can experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which suggests involvement of the gastrointestinal tract.</p>.<p>"This study shows that in severe Covid-19, this key component of the immune system is disrupted, whether the intestine itself is infected with SARS-CoV-2 or not," said Professor Jo Spencer, from King's College London.</p>.<p>"This would likely contribute to the disturbances in intestinal microbial populations in Covid-19 reported by others," Spencer said.</p>.<p>Observations of the samples found the structure and cellularity in Peyer's Patches -- a grouping of lymphoid follicles that lines the small intestines -- had been altered independent of the local levels of the virus.</p>.<p>This included depletion of the germinal centres, which normally propagate antibody producing cells, in patients who died with Covid-19.</p>.<p>This resulting poor local immunity could lead to a reduction in microbial diversity, known as dysbiosis.</p>.<p>Researchers said the findings suggest that oral vaccination may not be effective if the patient is already ill, as the gut immune system is already compromised.</p>.<p>"In the future it will be important to understand factors driving such lymphoid tissue dysregulation in severe inflammatory responses," Spencer added. </p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>Severe Covid-19 compromises the gut health, according to a study of intestinal samples collected from people who have died of the viral disease.</p>.<p>The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, looked at samples of gastrointestinal tract from patients who died after being diagnosed with Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic.</p>.<p>Lymphoid tissue in the gut normally maintains healthy intestinal microbial populations which are essential for good health.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/us-expert-wants-ba2-strain-of-omicron-variant-declared-a-variant-of-concern-1083617.html" target="_blank">US expert wants BA.2 strain of Omicron variant declared a 'variant of concern'</a></strong></p>.<p>Researchers from King's College London in the UK observed that the system that would normally regulate the composition of the microbial communities -- otherwise known as Peyer's Patches -- were severely disrupted in severe Covid-19.</p>.<p>This was irrespective of whether there was evidence of virus present in the gut or not, they said.</p>.<p>The researchers noted that while severe Covid-19 can lead to breathing problems and high fever, some patients can experience diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which suggests involvement of the gastrointestinal tract.</p>.<p>"This study shows that in severe Covid-19, this key component of the immune system is disrupted, whether the intestine itself is infected with SARS-CoV-2 or not," said Professor Jo Spencer, from King's College London.</p>.<p>"This would likely contribute to the disturbances in intestinal microbial populations in Covid-19 reported by others," Spencer said.</p>.<p>Observations of the samples found the structure and cellularity in Peyer's Patches -- a grouping of lymphoid follicles that lines the small intestines -- had been altered independent of the local levels of the virus.</p>.<p>This included depletion of the germinal centres, which normally propagate antibody producing cells, in patients who died with Covid-19.</p>.<p>This resulting poor local immunity could lead to a reduction in microbial diversity, known as dysbiosis.</p>.<p>Researchers said the findings suggest that oral vaccination may not be effective if the patient is already ill, as the gut immune system is already compromised.</p>.<p>"In the future it will be important to understand factors driving such lymphoid tissue dysregulation in severe inflammatory responses," Spencer added. </p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>