Gut Microbiome Differences Regarding Lifestyle and the History of COVID-19 Disease in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Abstract

Abstract The microbiome’s role in ulcerative colitis pathogenesis is established. The influence of lifestyle on gut microbiome composition remains unclear, and interplay with COVID-19 disease warrants investigation. In a cross-sectional study conducted from June to December 2021, 49 outpatients from Rīga East Clinical University Hospital were included. Patients were categorised based on COVID-19 disease status (positive vs. negative) within the preceding six months. Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, stress levels, and dietary patterns) were assessed and evaluated. Taxonomic classification of gut microbiome metagenome data was performed using MetaPhlAn v.2.6.0, with subsequent analysis conducted using SPSS 20.0. Thirty-one (63%) were male, and 18 (37%) were female patients. Fourteen patients (28.6%) tested positive for COVID-19. Gut microbiome composition differences were not observed between COVID-19 disease groups. Twenty-four (49%) patients engaged in sports activities and 30 (61.2%) patients reported a history of smoking. No significant microbiome differences were observed in groups regarding physical activity or smoking. Thirty-five (71.4%) were alcohol users, for whom Firmicutes abundance was significantly higher compared to non-users, p = 0.041. Patients reporting lower stress levels (18, 36.7%) exhibited higher Actinobacteria abundance compared to those with higher stress levels (31, 63.3%), p = 0.03. COVID-19 disease status did not affect gut microbiome composition, alcohol consumption and stress levels demonstrated significant associations.