Abstract

Generally, people who acquire infection with the COVID-19 virus exhibit a fever and respiratory illness. However, certain individuals also exhibit gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms, involving anorexia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This study aimed to quantify and assess serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and fecal calprotectin (FC) in COVID-19-positive individuals who exhibit diarrhea and other GIT symptoms as indicators of inflammation in the intestinal tract. The investigation included 80 cases with diarrhea and other GIT symptoms. They were divided into two groups: group A (cases) consisted of 40 COVID-19 patients with GIT symptoms and group B (controls) consisted of 40 COVID-19 patients without GIT symptoms. Serum IL-6 and FC were assessed in both groups. The most effective cut-off value for predicting intestinal inflammation was >63, with a sensitivity of 67.5% and a specificity of 65%. The most effective cut-off value for predicting intestinal inflammation was >194, with a sensitivity of 87.6% and a specificity of 77.3%. Although the FC was more significant than serum IL-6, the difference in the area under curve (AUC) was insignificant (0.075; z-test= 1.632, p>0.05). In COVID-19 cases with experienced intestinal symptoms, serum IL-6 and FC were increased.

Keywords: COVID-19; Serum IL-6; Fecal Calprotectin; Intestinal Inflammation.

Date received: 10 March 2026; accepted: 12 July 2026.

PMID:
000