The hygiene hypothesis, the COVID pandemic, and consequences for the human microbiome

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to affect the human microbiome in infected and uninfected individuals, having a substantial impact on human health over the long term. This pandemic intersects with a decades-long decline in microbial diversity and ancestral microbes due to hygiene, antibiotics, and urban living (the hygiene hypothesis). High-risk groups succumbing to COVID-19 include those with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, which are also associated with microbiome abnormalities. Current pandemic control measures and practices will have broad, uneven, and potentially long-term effects for the human microbiome across the planet, given the implementation of physical separation, extensive hygiene, travel barriers, and other measures that influence overall microbial loss and inability for reinoculation. Although much remains uncertain or unknown about the virus and its consequences, implementing pandemic control practices could significantly affect the microbiome. In this Perspective, we explore many facets of COVID-19−induced societal changes and their possible effects on the microbiome, and discuss current and future challenges regarding the interplay between this pandemic and the microbiome. Recent recognition of the microbiome’s influence on human health makes it critical to consider both how the microbiome, shaped by biosocial processes, affects susceptibility to the coronavirus and, conversely, how COVID-19 disease and prevention measures may affect the microbiome. This knowledge may prove key in prevention and treatment, and long-term biological and social outcomes of this pandemic.

The major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 does not show any association among South Asian populations

“…However, the lack of association for rs10490770 with COVID-19 cases or CFR in India is striking and suggests instead a complex susceptibility response among Indian populations. Along with the complex genetic structure 11 , 24 , socio-economic status 25 and hygiene 26 may have contributed to such a complex scenario. Furthermore, a detailed clinical and genome-wide association study on Indian COVID-19 patients would be useful to resolve this complexity.…”

Low pH Hypromellose (Taffix™) nasal powder spray reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rate post mass-gathering event at a highly endemic community: An observational prospective open label user survey

“…This issue remained open as additional studies are required to deepen our understanding on this potentially important topic. [21].…”

Mikrobiom als natürlicher Schutzfaktor

“…Bei den meisten dieser Erkrankungen lässt sich eine deutliche Abnahme der bakteriellen Diversität beobachten, die meist auch mit dem Verlust bestimmter metabolischer Funktionen einhergeht. Die Abwesenheit der Bakterien oder auch dieStörungder normalenBakterienzusammensetzung (Dysbiose) scheint daher mitverantwortlich zu sein für das Auftreten dieser komplexen Erkrankungen [23].…”

“…Umso bedauerlicher ist es, dass im Zuge unseres globalisierten Lebensstils die Verarmung des Mikrobioms seit Jahrzehnten voranschreitet. Dieser Prozess hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten deutlich beschleunigt und vermutlich erheblich zum Anstieg der vielen Lifestyle-Krankheiten (Fettleibigkeit, Asthma, Nahrungsmittelallergien, Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen, chronische Darmentzündungen, Ösophagusreflux und Neurodermitis) beigetragen [23]. Interessanterweise nehmen all diese Krankheiten dramatisch zu, seit Antibiotika immer häufiger zum Einsatz kommen [30].…”