Understanding How COVID-19 Affects the Digestive System
Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal COVID-19
This project aims to understand why some people with COVID-19 experience stomach problems like nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126037 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The project seeks to uncover how the COVID-19 virus interacts with cells in the small intestine and influences the body's immune response in the gut. Researchers are exploring how existing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), might change how the virus behaves in the digestive system. They will use samples from COVID-19 patients and special lab models to learn more about these interactions. This work will help us understand why some people experience severe gut symptoms with COVID-19 and how to potentially help them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19, particularly those with inflammatory bowel disease, might be ideal candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced gastrointestinal symptoms from COVID-19 or who do not have underlying gut conditions may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to prevent or treat the digestive problems caused by COVID-19, especially for those with underlying gut conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the general understanding of COVID-19 is growing, the specific mechanisms of its gastrointestinal effects, especially in the context of IBD and the microbiome, are still being defined, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ciorba, Matthew Aaron — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ciorba, Matthew Aaron
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 below.