The global COVID-19 pandemic has prompted us to explore the virus’s multifaceted impacts on human health, particularly in the post-acute phase, commonly referred to as “long COVID” or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). Through our research, we have come to recognize the critical role the gut microbiome plays in the progression, severity, and recovery from COVID-19. As we delved deeper, it became clear that this interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and gut microbial composition holds promise as a potential therapeutic target for PACS. 

 

In one of our key studies, Lau et al. (2024), we conducted a randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of a synbiotic preparation, SIM01, in alleviating PACS symptoms. We found that SIM01 significantly improved patients’ recovery trajectories, offering new hope for treatment options. In parallel, Su et al. (2024) demonstrated how the gut microbiome is intricately linked to various phenotypic manifestations of PACS, leading us to believe that microbial signatures could serve as valuable diagnostic markers. Additionally, we explored the role of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in mitigating post-COVID sleep disturbances and discovered promising results in symptom relief for PACS patients. 

 

Earlier, in our foundational studies, we highlighted how COVID-19 impacts the gut microbiome. Zhang et al. (2022) showed long-term disruptions in microbial functions, particularly in the production of short-chain fatty acids, a finding that laid the groundwork for our ongoing efforts. These early insights reinforced our belief that gut microbiota-based interventions, such as synbiotics and FMT, could serve as adjuvant therapies for managing both COVID-19 and its long-term complications. 

 

Through these investigations, we have deepened our understanding of the gut-lung axis in the context of COVID-19. Our work emphasizes the importance of targeting the microbiome as part of therapeutic strategies for PACS, offering a pathway toward alleviating the burden of long COVID.