COVID-19 and Intestinal Microbiota in Children

Saint-Joseph University

Status: Completed

Conditions: SARS-CoV2 Infection, COVID-19, Gut Microbiota, Mucosal Response, Children

Treatments: Other: Stool sample collection

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06503887

CEHDF1914

Details and patient eligibility

About

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. It appears to cause only mild to moderate upper respiratory symptoms in children, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms resulting from its penetration into intestinal cells. Viral respiratory infections are often accompanied by a change in the composition of the gut microbiota (GM). Additionally, intestinal metabolites and integrity appear to be altered. This work aims to study the composition of the GM of Lebanese children, currently (n=14) and previously (n=33) infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to compare it to pre-pandemic controls (n=39). Furthermore, the correlation between the composition of the GM and the intestinal homeostasis are evaluated. Clinical data and stool samples were collected from children aged 1 month to 12 years. The bacterial profile is determined by quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. Levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), fecal calprotectin, beta defensin type 2 (hBD-2), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan derivatives, and bile acids are also evaluated. Given the well-established relationship between the GM and the immune system, the results of this study could serve as a potential basis for the implementation of personalized nutrition and biotic supplementations aimed at restoring the host-microbiota symbiosis, pointing to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

Enrollment: 86 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 1 month to 12 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Within age limits
• positive PCR

Exclusion criteria

• metabolic disorders, hepatic disorders, immunodeficiency, allergy, autoimmune diseases, IBD, food intolerance, antibiotic administration within 3 months, pro and prebiotic administration within 3 months

Trial design

86 participants in 3 patient groups

Infected Children

Description:

collection of the stool sample within a week after a positive PCR or antigen test for SARS-CoV-2

Treatment:

Other: Stool sample collection

recovered

Description:

represent the group of children who were infected before the stool collection

Treatment:

Other: Stool sample collection

Controls

Description:

children enrolled and stool sample taken before the covid-19 pandemic

Treatment:

Other: Stool sample collection