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Probiotics in viral infections, with a focus on COVID-19: A Systematic Review
  • Meraj Pourhossein
Meraj Pourhossein
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Aim: COVID-19, a newly discovered virus disease, can be affected by probiotics. So, we tried to review the possible effects and associations of probiotics on viral infections focusing on SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We searched on PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science up to May 2020 to identify interventional & observational studies documenting the effects of probiotics strains on interleukins, virus titres, and antibody production with a focus on confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: From a total of 93 records, 21 studies were obtained and classified into three domains based on the efficacy of probiotics on 1)the level of interleukins (n=7), 2)virus titres reduction (n=2), and 3)antibody production (n=12). The suppuration of proinflammatory interleukins and type I interferon (IFN) production seemed to be the main anti-viral strategy of probiotics. Conclusion: Based on evidence, some probiotic strains may be useful in SARS-CoV-2 infection; randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.