The Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics on Respiratory Viral Infections: A Hint for COVID-19 Prophylaxis?

Hamid Ahanchian; Rana Tafrishi

doi:10.18502/igj.v4i2.9982

Hamid Ahanchian Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
Rana Tafrishi Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/igj.v4i2.9982

Keywords: Probiotics; Prebiotics; Viral Respiratory Tract Infections; Covid-19

Abstract

The most common human illness is upper respiratory tract infection. It causes a high rate of absenteeism from school and work and decreases efficiency and productivity of individuals in daily life. People with chronic diseases such as asthma, preterm infants and the elderly are more susceptible to viral respiratory tract infections. Preliminary studies have shown that probiotics reduce allergic diseases and asthma and strengthen the immune system, reducing viral infections. This mini-review looks at how probiotics and prebiotics affect viral respiratory tract infection. Functional foods containing well-defined probiotic strains, such as probiotic milk or yogurt can reduce the risk of catching a cold. These probiotic strains represent an easy, healthy, reliable and accessible method for preventing respiratory infections, especially in developing countries. More research is needed to determine the role of probiotics and prebiotics in treating and preventing RTIs and determining whether any susceptible subgroups of respiratory diseases exist and how these subgroups benefit from probiotic supplementation.