Targeting Microbiome: An Alternative Strategy for Fighting SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) primarily presents with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects intestinal cells, potentially disrupting the gut microbiota and causing inflammation.
• The gut-lung axis highlights the connection between gut health and pulmonary function, influencing immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of bacteriotherapy (probiotic use) as an adjunct treatment for COVID-19.
• To review the pathophysiological basis and existing evidence for using probiotics in COVID-19 management.
• To consider alternative strategies beyond conventional treatments for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathophysiological mechanisms linking gut health to COVID-19.
• Analysis of current evidence on bacteriotherapy and its effects on the gut microbiome.
• Evaluation of the gut-lung axis in the context of COVID-19 infection.

Main Results:

• Intestinal dysbiosis is a potential consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• An imbalanced gut microbiome can negatively impact lung function and immune response.
• Probiotic supplementation is proposed as a potential strategy to counteract intestinal dysbiosis.

Conclusions:

• Bacteriotherapy warrants consideration as a complementary approach for preventing and treating COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Targeting gut dysbiosis may offer a novel therapeutic avenue for COVID-19.
• Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of probiotics in COVID-19 patients.