Gut Fungi and Long-Term Immune Changes in Severe COVID

An imbalance of fungi in the gut, particularly the yeast Candida albicans, has been linked to excessive inflammation in individuals with severe COVID-19 or long COVID. A study found that people with severe disease had elevated levels of a fungus that can activate the immune system and induce long-lasting changes. The presence of certain fungal species, including Candida albicans, was associated with disease severity. Antifungal treatment could potentially provide relief to critically ill COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved and explore the potential repurposing of existing antifungal treatments.