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Effect of Mycobacterium w on IL-6 and Oxygen Requirement in COVID-19

Shailaja Behera1, Mukesh K Gupta1, Hardik Dudhatra2

  • 1Consultant; Apex Super Specialty Hospital & Postgraduate Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|June 15, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Heat-killed Mycobacterium w (Mw) shows promise for severe COVID-19. This treatment improved oxygen saturation and IL-6 levels, with 80% of patients discharged after successful oxygen weaning.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Severe COVID-19 presents significant challenges, often requiring intensive care.
  • Comorbidities complicate COVID-19 management and patient outcomes.
  • Exploring novel therapeutic agents is crucial for improving severe COVID-19 treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of heat-killed Mycobacterium w (Mw) in patients with severe COVID-19.
  • To assess the impact of Mw treatment on key clinical and laboratory parameters.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 25 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbidities.
  • Intradermal injection of 0.3 mL of heat-killed Mycobacterium w (Mw) daily for three consecutive days.
  • Comparison of clinical and laboratory markers (leukocyte and platelet counts, CRP, IL-6, liver enzymes, oxygen saturation) before and after Mw treatment.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and oxygen saturation (p < 0.001).
  • Marked enhancements in platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, liver enzymes, and clinical response scores.
  • Eighty percent of patients on oxygen support were weaned to room air within 5.6 days, leading to discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Heat-killed Mycobacterium w (Mw) demonstrates potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option for severe COVID-19.
  • Mw treatment may contribute to faster recovery and reduced hospital stay in severe COVID-19 patients.
  • Further research into Mw as a COVID-19 therapeutic modality is warranted.

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