Probiotics/Prebiotics in Viral Respiratory Infections: Implication for Emerging Pathogens

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Viral respiratory infections can disrupt gut microbiota, impacting lung and gut health.
• A potential cross-talk exists between the gut and lung microbiota.
• This interaction may influence pulmonary and gastrointestinal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of probiotics and prebiotics in preventing and treating respiratory infections.
• To explore the impact of supplements on emerging respiratory pathogens.
• To examine the synergistic effects of probiotics with other beneficial compounds.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Google Patents, and The Lens-Patent.
• Keywords included 'probiotics' and 'viral respiratory infections'.
• Focus on title, abstract, and keyword searches.

Main Results:

• Probiotic consumption may decrease susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
• Probiotics enhance immune response and vaccine efficiency.
• Combining probiotics with supplements (prebiotics, nutraceuticals, vitamins, etc.) can improve efficacy.
• Nanotechnology and microencapsulation can enhance probiotic performance.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics and prebiotics, alongside nutritional guidelines, are important for managing COVID-19.
• These interventions may serve as adjuvants to augment immune responses during vaccination.
• Further attention is needed on their role in immune response augmentation.