The characteristics of microbiome in the respiratory tract of COVID -19 patients

The microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the host's defense against pathogens. In the context of COVID-19 infection, the impaired immune system promotes the colonization of other pathogens in the respiratory tract, thereby enhancing the severity and mortality of COVID-19. While numerous studies have focused on the role of bacteria and viruses in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, Candida has been commonly regarded as a commensal organism of the upper respiratory tract. However, the mechanisms by which the impaired immune system associated with COVID-19 promotes the colonization of Candida albicans remain poorly understood.