Review
Microbiology
Andrea Butera, Carolina Maiorani, Annalaura Morandini, Manuela Simonini, Arianna Colnaghi, Stefania Morittu, Stefania Barbieri, Maria Ricci, Gaetano Guerrisi, Daniela Piloni, Roberta Cimarossa, Barbara Fusaro, Antonia Sinesi, Ambra Bruni, Andrea Scribante
Summary: During pregnancy, changes in the oral microbiome can lead to gingival diseases. Probiotics may help control these changes and reduce inflammation, benefiting pregnant patients. Further research is needed to explore the correlation between oral microbiome changes, periodontal disease, and COVID-19.
Review
Immunology
Giuseppe Ancona, Laura Alagna, Claudia Alteri, Emanuele Palomba, Anna Tonizzo, Andrea Pastena, Antonio Muscatello, Andrea Gori, Alessandra Bandera
Summary: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and disease, and dysbiosis has been associated with respiratory diseases, neurological disturbances, and COVID-19 severity. Recent studies have shown a link between gut dysbiosis and COVID-19, including its gastrointestinal replication and neurological manifestations.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Silvia Molino, Andrea Pisarevsky, Shyam Badu, Qinglong Wu, Fabiana Lopez Mingorance, Patricia Vega, Juan Pablo Stefanolo, Julieta Repetti, Guillermina Luduena, Pablo Pepa, Juan Ignacio Olmos, Marcelo Rodriguez Fermepin, Tatiana Uehara, Elisa Viciani, Andrea Castagnetti, Tor Savidge, Maria Marta Piskorz
Summary: This clinical study aimed to investigate whether a tannin-based dietary supplementation could enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study found that although oral tannin supplementation did not result in clinical improvement or significant changes in gut microbiota composition, it did reduce the inflammatory state and was significantly correlated with microbiota modulation.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mattia Di Stefano, Simona Santonocito, Alessandro Polizzi, Rodolfo Mauceri, Giuseppe Troiano, Antonino Lo Giudice, Alessandra Romano, Marco Mascitti, Gaetano Isola
Summary: The human body is colonized by a diverse microbial community known as the microbiota, which plays a crucial role in influencing human health throughout life. The oral microbiota forms complex biofilms and interactions, contributing to the host's resistance to antimicrobial agents and maintaining a balanced symbiotic relationship. Understanding the functions and interactions of the microbiota is essential for developing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. This review focuses on the connection between the oral and gut microbiomes, and how alterations in these microbial communities can lead to oral and intestinal illnesses, as well as the potential role of probiotics in ameliorating inflammation and microbial dysbiosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Areej Alfaifi, Ahmed S. Sultan, Daniel Montelongo-Jauregui, Timothy F. Meiller, Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
Summary: Despite various oral conditions observed in COVID-19 patients, the importance of the oral cavity as a site of SARS-CoV-2 infection is often overlooked. This study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 can replicate in salivary epithelial cells, leading to inflammation and atrophy of salivary glands. Histatin-5, an important component of saliva, is significantly reduced in COVID-19 patients, compromising its antimicrobial activity and potentially leading to oral symptoms such as dysesthesia and dysgeusia. These findings suggest a need for reassessment of the implications of COVID-19 on oral health.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Jiani Wu, Wei Liu, Lin Zhu, Nina Li, Gengyan Luo, Ming Gu, Minwu Peng, Shike Zeng, Shu Wu, Shengze Zhang, Qiqi Chen, Meiqi Cai, Wei Cao, Ying Jiang, Chuming Luo, Dechao Tian, Mang Shi, Yuelong Shu, Guohui Chang, Huanle Luo
Summary: In this study, the researchers compared the microbiome composition and function in the oropharyngeal swabs of healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients. They found that COVID-19 patients had reduced microbiome diversity, enrichment of opportunistic microorganisms, and weakened metabolic pathways. The recovery of COVID-19 patients led to the restoration of microbial homeostasis. The study also highlighted the co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance and virulence in relation to microbiome alteration caused by SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Taiping Zhu, Jun Jin, Minhua Chen, Yingjun Chen
Summary: The role of the microbiome in determining health and disease has led to various studies investigating the impact of gut and respiratory microbiome on COVID-19. Microbiota dysbiosis may affect the severity of COVID-19 by modulating immune responses, including inflammatory markers and B- and T-cells. The diversity of respiratory microbiota in COVID-19 patients is controversial, but it may play a role in the disease. Modulating microbiota diversity and profile could be a strategy for preventing and treating COVID-19.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Awad Mahalhal, Alessandra Frau, Michael D. Burkitt, Umer Z. Ijaz, Christopher A. Lamb, John C. Mansfield, Stephen Lewis, D. Mark Pritchard, Chris S. Probert
Summary: This study demonstrates differential and unique influences of ferric maltol and ferrous sulphate supplements on intestinal microbiota. FS treatment led to an increase in five genera, but FM was not associated with any measurable change. The severity of DSS-induced colitis was greater with FSS than FMS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ram Prasad, Michael John Patton, Jason Levi. Floyd, Seth Fortmann, Mariana DuPont, Angela Harbour, Justin Wright, Regina Lamendella, Bruce R. Stevens, Gavin Y. Oudit, Maria B. Grant
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether plasma analysis could provide insight into gut barrier dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 infection. The findings showed significant dysbiosis of the plasma microbiome in COVID-19 patients, along with increased abundance of Actinobacteria species and decreased abundance of Bacteroides species. Moreover, the concentration of gut permeability markers was significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. These findings suggest that the gut may contribute to worsening COVID-19 outcomes and targeting the gut could be a potential strategy for improving patient outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Blaine Caslin, Kailey Mohler, Shreya Thiagarajan, Esther Melamed
Summary: Alcohol may have complex effects on autoimmune diseases, with potential pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects may be related to factors such as the dose, duration, type, cultural background, and sex of alcohol consumption.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elda Righi, Lorenza Lambertenghi, Anna Gorska, Concetta Sciammarella, Federico Ivaldi, Massimo Mirandola, Assunta Sartor, Evelina Tacconelli
Summary: This study found that COVID-19 patients receiving antibiotic treatment may shift the gut microbiome composition towards opportunistic bacteria (OBs), particularly Enterococcus. The treatment-induced dysbiosis may impact infections and long-term consequences, providing important clues to the role of gut homeostasis in COVID-19 recovery.
Review
Immunology
Nurit Katz-Agranov, Gisele Zandman-Goddard
Summary: The study found several similar immune dysregulation processes in patients with COVID-19 and lupus. Commonalities included loss of microbiota biodiversity, increased pathobionts representation (such as Proteobacteria), and decreased symbionts representation (such as Lactobacillus), as well as compromised intestinal barrier integrity in both conditions. The researchers concluded that the gastrointestinal tract plays a role in COVID-19 disease manifestations and highlighted the potential for manipulation of the microbiome in treatment and prevention strategies.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ivan Vargas, Alexandria Muench, Michael A. Grandner, Michael R. Irwin, Michael L. Perlis
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and incidence of insomnia in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine whether insomnia predicted worse outcomes among those with COVID-19. The results showed that the prevalence of insomnia remained high during the pandemic and was associated with a longer duration of symptoms.
Article
Microbiology
Iwona Gregorczyk-Maga, Mateusz Fiema, Michal Kania, Jolanta Kedzierska, Estera Jachowicz, Dorota Romaniszyn, Jadwiga Wojkowska-Mach
Summary: This study evaluated the oral health status and dysbiosis of cultivable oral bacteria in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in an ICU with acute respiratory distress. The findings suggest a significant dysbiosis of the oral microbiota in these patients, with the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. This highlights the importance of oral health management in ICU patients with COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jose Guilherme Nobre, Mariana Delgadinho, Carina Silva, Joana Mendes, Vanessa Mateus, Edna Ribeiro, Diogo Alpuim Costa, Miguel Lopes, Ana Isabel Pedroso, Frederico Trigueiros, Maria Ines Rodrigues, Cristina Lino de Sousa, Miguel Brito
Summary: This study characterized and compared the microbiota profile of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, recovered patients, and non-infected people. It found that the microbiota composition is significantly affected by the infection and may be used to predict the clinical evolution of COVID-19. This has important implications for allocating healthcare resources and addressing future pandemics.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Catherine S. Forconi, Cliff Oduor, Peter O. Oluoch, John M. Ong'echa, Christian Muenz, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Ann M. Moormann
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elkanah O. Orang'o, Jordan P. Emont, Aaron C. Ermel, Tao Liu, Victor Omodi, Yan Tong, Peter M. Itsura, Philip K. Tonui, Titus Maina, John M. Ong'echa, Kapten Muthoka, Stephen Kiptoo, Ann Moormann, Joseph Hogan, Patrick J. Loehrer, Darron Brown, Susan Cu-Uvin
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2020)
Article
Virology
Yasin Kaymaz, Cliff Oduor, Ozkan Aydemir, Micah A. Luftig, Juliana A. Otieno, John Michael Ong'echa, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Ann M. Moormann
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Mario Meza-Segura, Mussaret B. Zaidi, Arturo Vera-Ponce de Leon, Nadia Moran-Garcia, Esperanza Martinez-Romero, James P. Nataro, Teresa Estrada-Garcia
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
John P. Haran, Beth A. McCormick
Summary: The human gut microbiome, consisting of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses, plays essential roles in protecting, metabolizing, and maintaining human health. Imbalances within the intestinal microbial community structure are increasingly recognized as being involved in disease processes across various organ systems, particularly due to untoward inflammatory responses. Recent advances in understanding the microbiome's role in aging have opened the door for potential novel therapeutics targeting a less dysbiotic microbiome to prevent or treat age-related diseases.
Letter
Medicine, Research & Experimental
John P. Haran, Jose C. Pinero, Yan Zheng, Norma Alonzo Palma, Mark Wingertzahn
Summary: The two parallel studies aim to evaluate the safety and impact of KB109 in addition to supportive self-care compared to self-care alone in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. These studies also assess the effect of KB109 on gut microbiota and various health indicators in patients receiving different treatment regimens.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
John P. Haran, Abigail Zeamer, Doyle Ward, Protiva Dutta, Vanni Bucci, Beth A. McCormick
Summary: The gut microbiome of older adults in nursing homes is heavily influenced by medications, age, and frailty. Dysbiosis becomes evident after 12 months of residency, but there is relative stability over time beyond that point.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mario Meza-Segura, James R. Birtley, Ana Maldonado-Contreras, Christian Mueller, Karl J. Simin, Lawrence J. Stern, Beth A. McCormick
Summary: Shigella spp. are highly adapted pathogens that cause bacillary dysentery by disrupting the intestinal epithelial barrier, with SepA releasing a neutrophil chemoattractant that promotes Shigella invasion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter O. Oluoch, Catherine S. Forconi, Cliff I. Oduor, Dominic A. Ritacco, Hoseah M. Akala, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, John M. Ong'echa, Christian Munz, Ann M. Moormann
Summary: The prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the occurrence of endemic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are higher in regions with malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. A study examined KSHV serological profiles and viral loads in children with acute malaria and healthy children from high and low malaria regions. The results showed that KSHV seroprevalence was significantly associated with malaria endemicity, and acute malaria episodes disrupted KSHV latency in seropositive children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Katherine A. Willard, Ashley P. Barry, Cliff I. Oduor, John Michael Ong'echa, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Ann M. Moormann, Micah A. Luftig
Summary: In this study, we describe an unusual spontaneous lytic phenotype in EBV strains isolated from Kenyan endemic Burkitt lymphoma patients. These findings provide insight into viral and host factors involved in this process and the potential contribution of promiscuous lytic activity to the formation of EBV-associated diseases.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
John P. Haran, Doyle V. Ward, Shakti K. Bhattarai, Ethan Loew, Protiva Dutta, Amanda Higgins, Beth A. McCormick, Vanni Bucci
Summary: C. difficile is prevalent among elderly living in nursing homes, with dysbiotic gut microbiome being associated with its colonization. The use of proton pump inhibitors is linked to a lower prevalence of C. difficile.