1st February 2024
By Victoria Tyler
BSc HONS, mBANT
Did you know that approximately 1 in 10 people with COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms beyond 12 weeks?
A recent study explores the potential connection between Candida albicans, a fungus commonly present in genital mucosa and the gastrointestinal tract, and the severity of COVID-19 cases.
The study was published in Nature Immunology by Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.
What is Long- Covid?
Long COVID is a debilitating condition affecting at least 10% of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases, has become a major concern with over 200 identified symptoms spanning multiple organ systems. Globally, an estimated 65 million people are grappling with its lingering effects, and this number continues to rise.
Long COVID symptoms recognised by the NHS
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
- pain or tightness
- memory and concentration
- Brain fog
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- pins and needles
- joint/muscle pain
- depression and anxiety
- tinnitus, earaches
- feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach
- loss of appetite
- a high temperature, cough,
- headaches, sore throat, changesto sense of smell or taste
- rashes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/
Elevated levels of fungi may trigger inflammation exacerbating symptoms of covid
Severe Covid-19 is characterized by persistent and excessive inflammation even after the infection has been resolved, leading to a condition known as Long Covid. The researchers suggest that an imbalance in the intestinal fungal flora could be a contributing factor to the development of severe forms of the disease. Elevated levels of specific fungi might trigger inflammation, exacerbating the symptoms.
Anti-fungal treatment may benefit patients with Long Covid who have fungi
Observations in patients with severe Covid or Long Covid have revealed heightened levels of fungi, particularly Candida albicans, in the intestines. This leads to the possibility that antifungal treatments could potentially improve the symptomatic experience of individuals with Sars-CoV-2 infection. Source Pubmed
The study indicated that in some people dealing with severe Covid or Long Covid often have more fungi, like Candida albicans, in their gastrointestinal tract. This suggests that using antifungal treatments might help improve symptoms for those with Sars-CoV-2 infection.
Fungi may lead to invasive candida
While the microbiome is predominantly composed of bacteria, recent studies emphasize the contribution of fungi to regulating a healthy immune system. People with Covid-19 appear to be at a higher risk of developing invasive candidiasis, pulmonary aspergillosis, and mucormycosis—ailments caused by various fungi. This sheds light on how the fungi residing in the human mycobiome, particularly in the intestine, may play a role in causing diseases in individuals who test positive for Sars-CoV-2.
The Latest Research Findings
In a recent study involving 36 healthy, non-infected individuals and 91 Covid-19 patients hospitalized for treatment, researchers discovered a specific immune response to yeasts among those with Covid-19. This immune response, correlated with the outcomes of the disease, was particularly evident in increased systemic IgG antibody titers of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as “brewer’s yeast” (ASCA IgG) in the plasma of hospitalized individuals with Covid-19 compared to their healthy counterparts.
The implications of these findings open up new avenues for research and potential treatment strategies. Understanding the intricate relationship between the human immune system and fungal elements could pave the way for innovative approaches to managing severe Covid-19 cases and mitigating the long-term effects of the virus.
Victoria Tyler is a UK registered Nutritional Therapist and member of the British Association of Nutritional therapy. She was awarded UK BSc Honours Degree in Nutritional Therapy and has trained in GI Functional Medicine. Victoria has been working with Gut disorders since 2004 after first experiencing digestive problems herself. She felt that the NHS was unable to provide the support individuals needed and went on to specialise in this area before offer bespoke IBS service.
Booking an appointment
If you need help with Candida and Long Covid please contact us and we would be pleased to book you in for a candida consultation.