CRP and COVID-19: Patients with reduced post-convalescence richness had higher levels of CRP as well as a higher occurrence of ICU admission and HFNC during the acute phase.In post-convalescence, low richness was associated with reduced FVC, FEV1, inspiratory vital capacity, and total lung capacity.Post-convalescence patients with lower microbial richness had worse pulmonary functions.Patients with lower richness at 6 months had an illness severity during the acute phase with a strong link between inflammatory response and COVID-19 gut microbiota dysbiosis.