COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Illness: Impact of Gut Microbiota

ABSTRACT

The world is currently facing a global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, various studies have demonstrated the ability of this virus in spreading to extrapulmonary sites, thereby leading to multiorgan failure and eventually death in highly susceptible individuals. The scourge of the virus world over has led to a severe impact (direct and indirect) on the mental health of individuals belonging to all age groups. In this context, the role of gut microbiota in influencing mental health via the gut-brain axis holds immense significance. Recent evidences have highlighted the possible link between COVID-19 infection, gut dysbiosis, and various psychological and neurological abnormalities. Thus, maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome becomes imperative given the absence of a definite cure to such a dangerous illness as COVID-19. Various strategies such as regular intake of a healthy diet and personalized nutrition, co-supplemented with probiotics, prebiotics, and psychobiotics, should be adopted wherein gut microbiota profile can be manipulated for providing multiple benefits to the host. Religiously following such practices will not only enrich the gut with beneficial microbes and boost host immunity but also prove to be a strong prophylactic measure in reducing the incidence/severity of diseases such as COVID-19 virulence and result in improved prognosis of infected individuals. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.