Objectives: This study aims to explore the potential interconnections among gut microbiota, COVID-19 infection, depression and anxiety disorder. Additionally, it tries to assess potential therapeutic interventions that may improve the dysbiosis of gut microbiota.
Methods: To achieve these objectives, we reviewed existing literature, encompassing studies and critical reviews that intersect the domains of gut microbiota, COVID-19, depression and anxiety disorders.
Results: The findings highlight a notable correlation between the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and psychiatric symptoms in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, there is a marked reduction in the populations of bacteria that generate anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), alongside a rise in the prevalence of gut bacterial clusters linked to inflammatory processes. Furthermore, several potential treatment strategies were summarised for improving the dysbiosis.
Conclusions: Gut microbiota plays a significant role in psychiatric symptoms during COVID-19, which has significant implications for the study and prevention of psychiatric symptoms in major epidemic diseases.
Keywords: COVID-19; Gut microbiota; anxiety; depression; psychiatric symptoms.