Context:
A recent study suggests that severe COVID might be linked to fungal organisms in the gut microbiome, potentially resulting from alterations in the immune system triggered by certain fungal species.
Findings of the study:
- Detected a greater amount of fungal organisms in patients who had COVID compared with controls who did not.
- Antibodies to certain fungi were heightened in the blood of COVID patients.
- Have more immune cells called neutrophils in the blood and increases in other markers of inflammation including in the lungs.
About Gut Microbiome:
- It is the totality of microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi, and their collective genetic material present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
- Roles –
- Nutrient and mineral absorption
- Synthesis of enzymes, vitamins and amino acids
- Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
Microbiome refers to the collection of genomes from all the microorganisms in the environment while Microbiota usually refers to microorganisms that are found within a specific environment.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics:
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
