Gut microbiome dysbiosis during COVID-19 is associated with increased risk for bacteremia and microbial translocation

• DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.15.452246
• Publication Date: 2021-07-16T03:25:10Z
• Authors: Mericien Venzon; Lucie Bernard-Rai...; Jon Klein; Jordan E. Axelrad; Chenzhen Zhang; Grant A. Hussey; Alexis P. Sullivan; Arnau Casanovas-M...; Maria G. Noval; Ana M. Valero-Jim...; Juan Gago; Gregory Putzel; Alejandro Pironti; Evan Wilder; ; Lorna E. Thorpe; Dan R. Littman; Meike Dittmann; Kenneth A. Staple...; Bo Shopsin; Victor J. Torres; Albert I. Ko; Akiko Iwasaki; Ken Cadwell; Jonas Schluter
• Keywords: Dysbiosis; Bacteremia; Human Microbiome Project; Gut microbiome

The microbial populations in the gut microbiome have recently been associated with COVID-19 disease severity. However, a causal impact of on patient health has not established. Here we provide evidence that dysbiosis is translocation bacteria into blood during COVID-19, causing life-threatening secondary infections. Antibiotics and other treatments can potentially confound associations. We therefore first demonstrate mouse model SARS-CoV-2 infection induce dysbiosis, which correlated alterations to Paneth cells goblet cells, markers barrier permeability. Comparison stool samples collected from 96 patients at two different clinical sites also revealed substantial paralleling our observations animal model. Specifically, observed blooms opportunistic pathogenic bacterial genera known include antimicrobial-resistant species hospitalized patients. Analysis culture results testing for bloodstream infections paired data obtained these indicates may translocate systemic circulation These are consistent direct role enabling dangerous COVID-19.