COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Tract: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Manifestations
Filippo Vernia,
Hassan Ashktorab,
Nicola Cesaro,
Sabrina Monaco,
Susanna Faenza,
Emanuele Sgamma,
Angelo Viscido,
Giovanni Latella
Affiliations
Filippo Vernia
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Hassan Ashktorab
Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20060, USA
Nicola Cesaro
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Sabrina Monaco
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Susanna Faenza
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Emanuele Sgamma
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Angelo Viscido
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Giovanni Latella
Gastroenterology Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Background: Since its first report in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, COVID-19 has become a pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although the virus primarily affects the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal symptoms are also common. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a systematic electronic search of English literature up to January 2023 using Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on papers that analyzed the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract. Results: Our review highlights that SARS-CoV-2 directly infects the gastrointestinal tract and can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, loss of taste, and increased liver enzymes. These symptoms result from mucosal barrier damage, inflammation, and changes in the microbiota composition. The exact mechanism of how the virus overcomes the acid gastric environment and leads to the intestinal damage is still being studied. Conclusions: Although vaccination has increased the prevalence of less severe symptoms, the long-term interaction with SARS-CoV-2 remains a concern. Understanding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the gastrointestinal tract is essential for future management of the virus.
