Probiotics at War Against Viruses: What Is Missing From the Picture?
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Published on: January 26, 2024
Santosh Kumar Tiwari1, Leon M T Dicks2, Igor V Popov3
1Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India.
Abstract:
Our world is now facing a multitude of novel infectious diseases. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, albeit with increasing difficulty as many of the more common causes of infection have now developed broad spectrum antimicrobial resistance. However, there is now an even greater challenge from both old and new viruses capable of causing respiratory, enteric, and urogenital infections. Reports of viruses resistant to frontline therapeutic drugs are steadily increasing and there is an urgent need to develop novel antiviral agents. Although this all makes sense, it seems rather strange that relatively little attention has been given to the antiviral capabilities of probiotics. Over the years, beneficial strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been successfully used to treat gastrointestinal, oral, and vaginal infections, and some can also effect a reduction in serum cholesterol levels. Some probiotics prevent gastrointestinal dysbiosis and, by doing so, reduce the risk of developing secondary infections. Other probiotics exhibit anti-tumor and immunomodulating properties, and in some studies, antiviral activities have been reported for probiotic bacteria and/or their metabolites. Unfortunately, the mechanistic basis of the observed beneficial effects of probiotics in countering viral infections is sometimes unclear. Interestingly, in COVID-19 patients, a clear decrease has been observed in cell numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., both of which are common sources of intestinal probiotics. The present review, specifically motivated by the need to implement effective new counters to SARS-CoV-2, focusses attention on viruses capable of co-infecting humans and other animals and specifically explores the potential of probiotic bacteria and their metabolites to intervene with the process of virus infection. The goal is to help to provide a more informed background for the planning of future probiotic-based antiviral research.
Insights
Probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria, show promise as novel antiviral agents against emerging infectious diseases. Further research into their mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies against viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Increasing antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic approaches for bacterial and viral infections.
- Probiotics, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), have demonstrated benefits in treating various infections and modulating the immune system.
- Emerging viral threats, such as SARS-CoV-2, highlight the urgent need for effective antiviral agents, with limited research on probiotic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of probiotic bacteria and their metabolites as antiviral agents.
- To explore the role of probiotics in combating viral infections, particularly those co-infecting humans and animals.
- To provide a foundation for future research into probiotic-based antiviral therapies, especially in light of COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating the antiviral activities of probiotics and their metabolites.
- Analysis of existing research on the mechanisms of probiotic action against viral infections.
- Examination of the impact of probiotics on viral co-infections and their relevance to human health.
Main Results:
- Probiotics, especially LAB, have shown potential in treating gastrointestinal, oral, and vaginal infections.
- Some probiotic strains and their metabolites exhibit antiviral activities, though mechanisms are often unclear.
- A decrease in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was observed in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a potential link to disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics represent a promising, yet underexplored, avenue for developing novel antiviral strategies.
- Understanding the mechanistic basis of probiotic antiviral effects is critical for optimizing their therapeutic application.
- Further research is warranted to harness the full potential of probiotics against a range of viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.
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