Prophylactic effects of probiotics on respiratory viruses including COVID-19: a review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. The symptoms include dry cough, fever, and fatigue; however, high propagation, mutation, and fatality rates have been reported for SARS-CoV-2. This review investigates the structure of SARS-CoV-2, antiviral mechanisms, preventive strategies, and remedies against it. Effective vaccines have been developed by Pfizer (95% effective), AstraZeneca (90% effective), Moderna (94.5% effective) vaccine, among others. However, herd immunity is also required. Probiotics play a major role in the gut health, and some are known to have therapeutic potential against viral infections. Their modes of antiviral activities include direct interaction with targeted viruses, production of antiviral metabolites, and immunomodulatory effects on the host. Hence, probiotics can be a useful prophylactic against COVID-19, and more studies are required on the effects of probiotics against other viral infections that may occur in future.

Application of Natural Preservatives for Meat and Meat Products against Food-Borne Pathogens and Spoilage Bacteria: A Review

“…Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains secrete several bacterial growth inhibitory substances (organic acids, diacetyl, phenyl-lactate, hydroxyphenyl-lactate, cyclic dipeptides, hydroxy fatty acid, propionate, and hydrogen peroxide), bacteriocins (nisin, acidophilin, bulgaricin, helveticin, lactacin, pediocin, plantarim, diplococcin, and bifidocin), and bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS), which exhibit antibacterial activity and can control spoilage microorganisms and food-borne pathogens [96,99,100]. Among various bacteriocins, commercial bacteriocin preparations have been applied using nisin and pediocin.…”

In Silico Analysis of Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria Against SARS-CoV-2

“…Additionally, the potential antiviral activity of salivaricin B for viral pharyngitis was also reported [ 58 ]. Due to the antiviral activities of bacteriocins such as peptide ST4V, enterocin CRL35, and enterocin ST5Ha, they were suggested to be potential antiviral agents in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 [ 59 ]. Based on the current literature and our in silico findings, the most promising three bacteriocins found in the present study (pediocin PA-1, salivaricin P, and salivaricin B) can be considered as an alternative solution for the treatment and prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2.…”

Patient Nutrition and Probiotic Therapy in COVID-19: What Do We Know in 2021?

“…Gut microbiota may modulate the immunological activity of the lung through bacterial metabolites and bacterial lipopolysaccharides [36]. Notably, bacterial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, and exopolysaccharides, provide an indirect antiviral effect via modulation of the host immune system (the impact on IFN-γ, IgA, IL-12, NK cells, and many others) [37]. The human microbiota-miRNA axis may also be used as a therapeutic approach for patients with COVID-19 [32].…”