Gut microbiome imbalance linked to brain fog and fatigue after COVID-19
Official title: Neuro-PASC (Brain Fog and Fatigue) is Caused by a Dysbiotic Gut Microbiome
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11446349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will explore whether shifts in gut bacteria after COVID-19 contribute to brain fog and fatigue and how this relationship could point to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $625,273 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS147019-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of COVID-19 experiencing long-haul symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
This study may not benefit individuals without post-COVID-19 cognitive or energy issues.
What this research studies
If you have a history of COVID-19 with ongoing fatigue or thinking problems, this study will examine gut bacteria, growth hormone signals, and amino acid levels to understand their possible connection to brain symptoms. Researchers will use animal models and human samples to explore how a dysbiotic gut microbiome might influence brain function and energy. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to relieve brain fog and fatigue in people recovering from COVID-19 and similar conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new ways to treat brain fog and fatigue by modulating the gut microbiome or related pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in mice supports a link between gut microbes and brain symptoms, suggesting potential applicability to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pyles, Richard B — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Pyles, Richard B
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.