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Probiotics: a new way to fight bacterial pulmonary infections?

Y Alexandre1, G Le Blay2, S Boisramé-Gastrin1

  • 1Laboratoire universitaire de biodiversité et d'écologie microbienne, EA3882, faculté de médecine, université européenne de Bretagne, CHRU de la Cavale Blanche, boulevard Tanguy-Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France.

Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|July 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics show promise as an alternative to antibiotics for treating respiratory infections, offering health benefits to the host. Further research is needed to optimize their use in clinical settings.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotics revolutionized infectious disease treatment but rising resistance necessitates alternatives.
  • Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring host health benefits, are a potential therapeutic avenue.
  • Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) represent a significant area for probiotic application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the rational application of probiotics in managing respiratory tract infections.
  • To review clinical study outcomes on probiotic use for various RTIs.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential and challenges of probiotics in respiratory health.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies on probiotics for RTIs.
  • Analysis of probiotic efficacy in conditions like pneumonia and cystic fibrosis.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding probiotic mechanisms and administration.

Main Results:

  • Clinical study results on probiotics for RTIs are varied and sometimes contradictory.
  • Probiotics demonstrate potential therapeutic benefits in managing certain respiratory conditions.
  • Understanding specific probiotic strain mechanisms is crucial for effective application.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics represent a promising therapeutic alternative for respiratory infections.
  • Further research is essential to elucidate mechanisms and optimize probiotic strategies.
  • Tailored approaches considering strain, dose, and administration are key for future clinical success.
Keywords:
Cystic fibrosisHospital-acquired pneumoniaImmunomodulationMucoviscidosePneumonies nosocomialesProbioticsProbiotiques

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