Abstract
Background: Post-COVID-Syndrome (PCS) is the term for a
condition with persistent symptoms in a proportion of COVID-19 patient
after asymptomatic, mild or severe disease courses. Numbers vary but the
current estimate is that after COVID-19 approximately 10% develop PCS.
The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection
on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and associations with the development
of PCS with fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), orthostatic
dysregulation, autonomous dysregulation and/or neurocognitive
dysregulation. Methods: By combining medical record data from a
prospective observational study with symptom analysis before, during,
and after SARS-CoV-2 infection, we aimed to identify potential risk
factors and predictive markers for PCS. Additionally, we analyzed blood,
saliva, and stool samples from this well-characterized PCS patient
cohort to biologically validate our findings. Results: We
identified significant associations between pre-existing GI complaints
and the development of PCS Fatigue. PCS patients showed higher LBP/sCD14
ratios, lower IL-33 levels, and higher IL-6 levels compared to control
groups. Our results highlight the critical role of the GI tract in PCS
development of post-viral Fatigue. Conclusion: We propose that
the viral infection disrupts pathways related to the innate immune
response and GI barrier function, evidenced by intestinal low-grade
inflammation and GI barrier leakage. Monitoring GI symptoms and markers
before, during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for identifying
predictive clinical phenotypes in PCS. Understanding the interaction
between viral infections, immune responses, and gut integrity could lead
to more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies, ultimately
reducing the burden on PCS patients.