The Impact of COVID-19 Virus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence

Shahrazad H. Muhi; Farah B. Abed; Omar A. Mahmoud; Mohammed A. Hameed; Dunya A. Mohammed; Sahar M. Ibrahim; Nada H. Bedair; Ruaa H. Ali; Saba R. Jaafar; Manar F. Jassim

doi:10.47419/bjbabs.v6i2.365

Authors

Shahrazad H. Muhi Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1148-3762
Farah B. Abed Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1356-2304
Omar A. Mahmoud Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6884-9398
Mohammed A. Hameed Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8621-3696
Dunya A. Mohammed Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0541-8194
Sahar M. Ibrahim Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6638-9498
Nada H. Bedair Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1852-0154
Ruaa H. Ali Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1501-9871
Saba R. Jaafar Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5576-6902
Manar F. Jassim Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5121-8498

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47419/bjbabs.v6i2.365

Keywords:

(COVID-19) corona virus infected disease 2019, coronavirus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD

Abstract

Spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in unique challenges to individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition affecting the gut. The virus behind the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, uses ACE2 receptors—found in abundance in the gastrointestinal tract—to infect human cells, which explains why some COVID-19 patients experience digestive symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. For individuals with IBD, who often rely on immune-suppressing medications to manage their condition, this has raised concerns about their vulnerability to the virus and the safety of continuing treatment.

The good news is that research shows having IBD doesn’t necessarily raise the probability of contracting the COVID-19. However, certain treatment, like corticosteroids, may make severe outcomes more likely. Vaccination is especially important for IBD patients and has been shown to be safe, though its effectiveness might be slightly reduced depending on their medications. Despite the challenges, it’s crucial for people with IBD to stay on top of their care during the pandemic, as skipping treatment can lead to flares and complications. This review highlights the need for thoughtful management of IBD during these unprecedented times and aims to reassure patients that balancing treatment and infection prevention is possible.