COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Tract: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Manifestations

Background: Since its first report in Wuhan, China, December 2019, COVID-19 has become a pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although the virus primarily affects respiratory tract, gastrointestinal symptoms are also common. The aim this narrative review is to provide an overview pathophysiology and clinical manifestations COVID-19. Methods: We conducted systematic electronic search English literature up January 2023 using Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, focusing on papers that analyzed role SARS-CoV-2 tract. Results: Our highlights directly infects tract can cause such as diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, loss taste, increased liver enzymes. These result from mucosal barrier damage, inflammation, changes microbiota composition. exact mechanism how overcomes acid gastric environment leads intestinal damage still being studied. Conclusions: vaccination prevalence less severe symptoms, long-term interaction with remains concern. Understanding interplay between essential for future management virus.