
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14
Published: Dec. 18, 2024
Background SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 are still active in the population. Some patients remained PCR-positive for more than 4 weeks, called “persistently PCR-positive”. Recent evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota susceptibility to COVID-19, although no studies have explored persistent PCR conditions. We aimed evaluate relationship positive RT-PCR, microbiome, individual host determinants. Methods A shotgun metagenomic analysis was conducted on fecal samples from 28 individuals affected by COVID-19. Patients were divided into two groups: those who had cleared virus within 30 days (designated as control group) (n = 15), beyond (called PCR+ 13). also investigated correlation prolonged viral clearance several additional factors, including clinical parameters, immune responses, microbial metabolites, dietary habits. Results The composition functionality of microbiome varied based duration positivity determined PCR. Compared group, group exhibited elevated pathogen levels augmented diversity functional gene families (p-value < 0.05). multi-omics integrating metagenomics, metadata revealed specific contribution certain blood markers this basophils, IgM, IgG (both general SARS-CoV-2), liver damage. Unhealthy diet identified significant factor influencing positivity. Conclusions These findings indicate that may play role delayed RT-PCR results. Our study contributes understanding factors mediators linking disease outcomes. Further large-scale must confirm these data; however, they suggest relevance monitoring changes early post-viral years providing healthcare support.
Language: Английский