Evaluation of the effectiveness of probiotics on post-COVID-19 conditions.

Google translate: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 138 million people and if vaccination brings significant hope, many questions remain (eg impact of virus variants). Studies show that patients could present symptoms up to 6 months after the acute phase (fatigue, anxiety, etc.). The causes of long-lasting COVID (LONG-COV) are poorly understood but may be related to virus persistence or an inadequate immune response. Our group proposes to study the impact of the intestinal microbiota (intestinal flora) on LONG-COV. We know that: 1) people who have a severe form of COVID-19 (elderly, diabetic...) often have an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, 2) COVID-19 modifies the microbiota (ex: taking antibiotics) and 3) probiotics can improve the balance of the microbiota. We hypothesize that LONG-COV is associated with the consequences of gut microbiota imbalance and that it is possible to reduce the occurrence of LONG-COV using probiotics. As the intestinal microbiota is closely related to the lungs and the brain, the action of probiotics could also reach the other organs affected by LONG-COV. We are proposing a study that compares the intake of probiotics to that of a placebo. We will include 618 men and women aged 18 and over, symptomatic of COVID-19 with a COVID+ test for 10 days or less. Hospitalized patients (population at risk of LONG-COV) can be included if they returned home within 10 days of diagnosis. The signs of LONG-COV will be studied on the 30th and 90th day (internet or telephone). A group of volunteer patients will take samples (saliva and stool) for virus and microbiota analyses. If successful, probiotics could be used very quickly across Canada (few side effects, affordable costs).]