SARS-CoV-2: Possible Factors Contributing to Serious Consequences of COVID-19?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has infected over 170 million people (as of 31th May 2021) since it was elucidated in December 2019. The number of SARS-CoV-2 cases and mortality rates vary from country to country, and unfortunately, the United Kingdom ranks in the top 5 countries with the most deaths as of 31th May 2021. Methods: A literature review was conducted during May 2021 to examine if factors such as gut microbiome, ethnic diversity, high cancer rates, obesity and alcohol consumption may have contributed to the higher number of cases and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 in the UK. Results: The western diet is associated with a less diverse gut microbiome, as well as obesity, and contributes to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, people belonging to Black and South Asian ethnic groups in the UK have an increased risk of death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the high number of cancer patients in the UK, as well as excess consumption of alcohol, higher mortality rates were observed, most likely due to people possessing a less diverse gut microbiome and/or weakened immune system. Conclusion: Targeting the gut microbiome in developing potential therapeutics against SARS-COV-2 is of value, and further studies are needed to understand the specific role of the gut microbiome.