Researchers have discovered that people experiencing severe long COVID have significantly different bacterial communities in their mouths and lungs compared to those with mild symptoms. An observational study published in the European Respiratory Journal examined 771 adults who had been hospitalized with COVID-19. Six months after hospital discharge, scientists collected saliva and lung samples from participants and analyzed their bacterial composition alongside symptom questionnaires.
The study found that patients with very severe long COVID symptoms had less diverse oral bacteria than those with mild symptoms. This group with reduced bacterial diversity experienced the highest rates of breathlessness, fatigue, impaired lung function, and reduced exercise capacity. Researchers suggest that understanding these differences in bacterial communities could lead to a clearer understanding of long COVID and potentially better treatment approaches for the condition.
Source: Read the full story at CIDRAP
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