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Researchers from the Medical University of Warsaw received funding for a study evaluating the impact of intestinal microbiota transplantation in supporting COVID-19 treatment. What is the test? Scientists are looking for people who could share the material for research.
- Researchers from the Medical University of Warsaw have received funding for research that will check whether transplanting the intestinal microbiota (feces) into patients with the severe form of COVID-19 will have a positive effect on the healing process
- Previous studies show that imbalances in the gut microflora are usually seen in patients exposed to severe COVID-19
- Partner of the Medical University of Warsaw, Human Biome Institute is looking for donors of intestinal microbiota for this study
Joint work of the Medical University of Warsaw and the Human Biome Institute to support the treatment of COVID-19
The Medical University of Warsaw, in cooperation with the Human Biome Institute and with funding from the Medical Research Agency, will conduct an innovative study entitled “A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of intestinal microbiota transplantation as an inflammatory modulator (immunomodulation), added to standard therapy, on the reduction of the risk of COVID-19 disease progression with worsening cytokine storm and inflammation”.
There is an interesting technology behind this complicated name. Well, in simple terms, scientists want to see if a gut microbiota (fecal) transplant will improve the health of COVID-19 patients.
are all microorganisms that live in the human digestive tract. They include mainly bacteria and viruses, but also fungi and archaea.
it is the entire set of genes found in the human digestive tract (human genes, genes from exfoliating cells in the digestive tract, bacterial, viral, fungal genes, etc.).
Fecal transplantation is performed to restore the natural bacterial flora, which helps to strengthen immunity. Such a procedure can be performed, for example, in patients who have undergone strong antibiotic therapy or oncological patients. Research is ongoing to see if intestinal microbiota transplantation can aid in the treatment of conditions such as multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome or Parkinson’s disease.
Scientists from the Medical University of Warsaw want to check whether an intestinal microbiota transplant can help patients with a severe course of COVID-19.
In May, an article was published on the links between the gut microbiota and COVID-19. The authors of the article suggest that the diversity of the gut microflora and the presence of beneficial microorganisms in the gut may play an important role in the course of COVID-19. Elderly patients with immunodeficiency, comorbidities (e.g. diabetes) and cardiovascular disorders are at greater risk of severe infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The authors of the study point out that in these patient groups there is a general imbalance in the gut microflora. You can read the article here.
Become a donor of intestinal microbiota
The Human Biome Institute website describes in simple steps how to become a donor of intestinal microbiota. The donor should be between 18 and 45 years old and healthy. She must not take antibiotics for at least three months before collecting the material for transplantation. In addition, he should lead a healthy, active lifestyle and take care of a balanced diet.
After completing the questionnaire and its positive verification, an appointment with the doctor takes place. A potential donor must perform a series of specialized tests to confirm that he is healthy and can donate feces for transplant.
The project prepared by the Medical University of Warsaw will be implemented until December 31, 2021.
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