The secret to beating Long Covid could be in your gut

RESEARCHERS in Geelong have launched a clinical trial to investigate whether the gut microbiome could be a safe and effective target for treating the symptoms of Long Covid.

The trial, led by Deakin University’s Food and Mood Centre, is exploring whether faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) – the transplant of screened donor gut bacteria – can be delivered safely to adults struggling with the condition.

The centre’s Dr Amelia McGuiness said emerging research suggests Covid-19 can linger in the digestive system, and some studies have found differences in gut bacteria and inflammation markers in people with Long Covid compared to those who have recovered.

“The gut microbiome plays an important role in immune function and communication between the gut and the brain,” she said.

“If Covid-19 affects the gut in some individuals, then targeting the gut microbiome may represent a new way to help improve symptoms in people with Long Covid.

“Even small improvements could make a meaningful difference to people’s ability to carry out everyday activities and reconnect with work, study, family and social life.”

Dr McGuinness described Long Covid as a growing public health challenge, with patients reporting persistent fatigue, brain fog and respiratory issues that often worsen after even minor physical or mental exertion.

“Some people experience many symptoms, while others experience only a few – but even a small number can have a major impact on daily life,” she said.

“For some people the condition can be severe enough to prevent them from working or leaving the house.”

Evidence-based treatment options remain limited.

The study will involve 40 participants aged 18 years and over who have been diagnosed with Long Covid and experience moderate to severe difficulty with daily activities.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the donor bacteria or a placebo via rectal enema, with follow-ups scheduled for up to a year.

“It is important to note that this research is an early-phase feasibility trial,” Dr McGuinness said.

“It is not designed to determine whether FMT is an effective treatment, but rather to first assess safety, tolerability, and whether a larger, definitive trial would be warranted.”

She said people living with Long Covid can experience significant disruption to their health and daily life, and with few treatment options available, there is a strong need to carefully test new approaches.

“If this approach proves to be safe and acceptable, it will lay the groundwork for larger trials to determine whether microbiome-based therapies such as FMT can improve outcomes for people living with Long Covid,” Dr McGuinness said.

The trial was co-designed with people who have lived experience of the condition to ensure the requirements are manageable for those with limited energy levels.

Over the eight-week study, participants will complete questionnaires and assessments at home, attend in-person visits, provide blood, urine and stool samples, and wear a Garmin device.

Participants will be followed up at three, six and 12 months.

The study is funded by the Australian government’s Medical Research Future Fund and supported by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which is manufacturing the FMT product under strict Therapeutic Goods Administration standards.

For more information or to join the trial, head to foodandmoodcentre.com.au