The impact of COVID-19 on the course and possible initiation
of ulcerative colitis

Marcin Pieniak; Julia Pozierak; Agnieszka Ścibor; Tomasz Męcik-Kronenberg

doi:10.5114/ms.2026.161329

eISSN: 2300-6722
ISSN: 1899-1874

Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne

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abstract:

The impact of COVID-19 on the course and possible initiation of ulcerative colitis

Marcin Pieniak

¹

,

Julia Pozierak

¹

,

Agnieszka Ścibor

²

,

Tomasz Męcik-Kronenberg

^{3, 4}

Student Research Group at the Chair and Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Department of Biomedicine and Environmental Research, Institute of Biological Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University, Lublin, Poland
Department of Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Collegium Medicum Dr Władysław Biegański, Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ms.2026.161329

Online publish date: 2026/04/24

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This review presents an analysis of the available scientific research concerning the impact of COVID-19 infection on the course of ulcerative colitis (UC). There are cases suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with exacerbations of UC; however, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship remains difficult. The exacerbations observed in UC patients during the COVID-19 pandemic may be attributable to stress-related factors. In addition, infection in UC patients may lead to complications and therapeutic challenges. The available reports indicate a potential role of COVID-19 as a triggering factor for the development of UC. Although further research is required to elucidate the role of this infection in both the progression and initiation of UC, current data suggest its potential significance in symptom exacerbation and triggering of autoimmune processes. Yet larger registry and longitudinal data suggest that COVID-19 usually does not worsen UC in the long term.

keywords:

The impact of COVID-19 on the course and possible initiation of ulcerative colitis

Marcin Pieniak 1 , Julia Pozierak 1 , Agnieszka Ścibor 2 , Tomasz Męcik-Kronenberg 3, 4

ulcerative colitis, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2

Marcin Pieniak

¹

,

Julia Pozierak

¹

,

Agnieszka Ścibor

²

,

Tomasz Męcik-Kronenberg

^{3, 4}