Probiotics: A potential immunomodulator in COVID-19 infection management

Abstract

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an ongoing global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 affects the human respiratory tract's epithelial cells, leading to a proinflammatory cytokine storm and chronic lung inflammation. With numerous patients dying daily, a vaccine and specific antiviral drug regimens are being explored. Probiotics are live microorganisms with proven beneficial effects on human health. While probiotics as nutritional supplements are long practiced in different cuisines across various countries, the emerging scientific evidence supports the antiviral and general immune-strengthening health effects of the probiotics. Here, we present an overview of the experimental studies published in the last 10 years that provide a scientific basis for unexplored probiotics as a preventive approach to respiratory viral infections. Based on collated insights from these experimental data, we identify promising microbial strains that may serve as lead prophylactic and immune-boosting probiotics in COVID-19 management.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and COVID-19: Possible Links

“…Probiotics are one of the approaches to alter the microbial composition of the gut. Promising impacts of probiotics to improve the severity of viral respiratory tract infections and to reduce the infection risk have been well documented with experimental and clinical studies on respiratory tract viruses including influenza ( Singh and Rao, 2021 ). The clinical trials and the studies were performed mostly using the strains from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera commonly used as probiotics.…”

Nutraceuticals and Herbs in Reducing the Risk and Improving the Treatment of COVID-19 by Targeting SARS-CoV-2

“…Zinc has been shown to enhance cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis when used in vitro with a zinc ionophore (e.g., chloroquine). Chloroquine has also been shown to improve intracellular zinc uptake in vitro [ 75 ]. The relationship between zinc and COVID-19, including how zinc deficiency affects the severity of COVID-19 and whether zinc supplements can improve clinical outcomes, is currently under investigation [ 76 ].…”

“…These include the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera of bacteria, typically present in fermented food. Traditionally prepared cuisine often includes such fermented foods since these bacteria restore the balance of microbes in the gut [ 75 ]. Over the last two decades, many studies and clinical trials have suggested that probiotics may help modulate the immune response and treat various diseases, especially viral infections [ 79 ].…”

Intestinal microbiota and immunity. Possibilities of multistrain probiotics in the correction of immune status in children

“…Как правило, в качестве пробиотиков используются препараты, содержащие различные виды и штаммы бифидо-и лактобактерий (в т. ч. B. bifidum, L. plantarum) [19,20] (рис. 9).…”