SARS-CoV-2 Virus Manifestations in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Therapeutic Implications.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: About 1 year ago a novel virus - SARS-CoV-2 - began to spread around the world. It can lead to the disease COVID-19, which has caused more than 1 million deaths already. SUMMARY: While it was first recognized as a disease leading to pneumonia and lung failure, we know by now that COVID-19 is more complex. COVID-19 is a systemic hyperinflammatory disease affecting not only the lungs, but also many other organs. Especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is often involved in COVID-19. KEY MESSAGES This review provides an overview of the different affected organs of the GI tract and offers information on how gastroenterologists should take care of their patients with different GI disorders.