Investigating the immunomodulatory and clinical effects of fermentable fibre intervention to reduce symptoms of Long COVID

Long COVID has emerged as a global health issue with long-term social and economic impacts. It is estimated that 5-10% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience Long COVID symptoms across multiple organ systems, including cognitive impairment, fatigue, immune dysfunction and gut dysbiosis. Long COVID is also associated with dysbiosis to the gut microbiota, which may link to other symptoms via microbial metabolites that have immunomodulatory activity. Pre-clinical models have shown that targeting the gut microbiota using dietary fibre may help to reduce the severity of long COVID symptoms. To assess if dietary fibre supplementation may improve long COVID symptoms in patients, our team is conducting a novel dietary intervention trial at the Alfred Hospital (ANZCTR: ACTRN12624000356561). This is in collaboration with the Gastroenterology and Respiratory Medicine departments. This project aims to assess if dietary fibre may improve clinical symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. In addition, secondary aims will examine underlying changes to the gut microbiota and immune system that may associate with changes to symptoms. This project will involve coordination of study logistics such as patient study appointments and data collection using online questionnaires. Furthermore, candidates may be involved in processing and analysis of biological samples. Candidates will generate data from biological samples using immunoassays such as ELISA and Flow cytometry to assess patient immune function. Overall, candidates will develop a diverse set of administrative and laboratory skills that are required to conduct a translational research project. It is expected that this project will determine the clinical relevance of using dietary fibre supplementation to treat symptoms of long COVID. In addition, a detailed characterisation of changes to the gut microbiota and immune system that are associated with changes to symptoms will be performed.