The impact of Covid-19 on the gut microbiome version 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the effect of both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 infections on the diversity of the human gut microbiome
IRAS ID
286641
Contact name
Anastasios Tsaousis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 2 days
Research summary
Investigating the effect of both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 infections in the diversity of the human gut microbiome.
The Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has had a significant impact in our lifestyle during the last year. Despite the fact that this virus is mainly affecting the respiratory tract, several reports have demonstrated its presence in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans as well. Therefore, the presence of the virus could have long-term consequences in the health of an individual. In this project, using a combination of wet-lab techniques and bioinformatics, we will investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection in the diversity and function of the gut microbiome. Results from this project will: (1) provide us with new diagnostic tools, (2) allow us to explore the effect of the virus in the gut microbiome composition and abundance, and lastly (3) elucidate whether detected shifts are conducive to causing potential future GI-related diseases (e.g. explore whether changes in the gut microbiome of COVID-19 positive individuals will make them susceptible to infections by other gut pathogens). Thus, this project will significantly contribute in elucidating the long-term pathogenesis of the virus in the gut.
We will be looking to recruit two cohorts of adult participants. One cohort with GI diseases such as IBS or IBD and the other cohort with no GI diseases. These two cohorts will be divided into three sub cohorts with the following Covid-19 status’;
• No Covid-19 infection
• Covid-19 infection GI asymptomatic
• Covid-19 infection GI symptomatic
The GI diseases cohort will provide us with colonoscopy stool samples, acquired through their GP’s and through gastroenterologists. The no GI diseases cohort will provide us with stool samples. All samples will be analysed in the labs at the University of Kent for the presence of SARS CoV-2 in the gut. The study will last approximately two years.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0216
Date of REC Opinion
11 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion