Role of Mycobacterium w for the Treatment of COVID-19: An Observational Study

COVID-19 has taken a big toll on the world in terms of morbidity and mortality. The disease may progress in some of the patients leading to trigger of "cytokine storm" which is shown to be associated with adverse outcomes. Heat killed Mycobacterium w (Mw) is a known immunomodulator which is approved for the treatment of gram negative sepsis. This study was carried out to evaluate the role of Mw in the treatment of COVID-19 early in the course of the disease.

In this retrospective observational study, 117 (84 males, 33 females) COVID-19 patients admitted between July 3, 2020 and Aug 26, 2020 in the covid ward of Fortis Hiranandani hospital, Mumbai, were enrolled. Patients were tested COVID-19 positive on RTPCR and were treated with standard of care treatment along with Mw 0.3 ml intradermal injection per day for 3 consecutive days. Patients were evaluated for live discharge as well as changes in the levels of inflammatory markers.

Use of Mw was seen to be associated with rapid recovery in 116/117 patients from COVID-19 who were discharged from the hospital within 10 days. A decrease in the levels of CRP and IL6 was observed after the administration of Mw. This decrease was associated with improvement in the patients' condition. The use of Mw was seen to be associated with no systemic side effects.

The patients of COVID-19 may deteriorate due to exaggerated production of cytokines which may result in adverse outcomes. Mw used earlier in the disease not only effectively prevents excessive cytokine production but also contribute to rapid recovery. Mw was also found to be safe in use. Larger randomized controlled trials are recommended to assess the role of Mw in COVID-19.