The efficacy of probiotics on virus titres and antibody production in virus diseases: A systematic review on recent evidence for COVID-19 treatment

Background & aims: There are some studies indicating the effects of probiotic-containing foods or supplements on viral diseases. We aimed to conduct a rapid review of probiotics with specific emphasis on their potential for early administration in patients at greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: We searched on PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science up to February 2021 to identify interventional and observational studies documenting the effects of probiotics strains on interleukins, virus titers, and antibody production with a focus on probiotic-containing foods (PROSPERO Registration ID. CRD42020181453) Results: From a total of 163 records, 21 studies were classified into three domains based on the efficacy of probiotics on 1) the level of interleukins (n = 7), 2) virus titers (n = 2), and 3) interferon (IFN) and antibody production (n = 12). The suppuration of pro-inflammatory interleukins and type I INF production seemed to be the main anti-viral effect of probiotics. Nine studies also indicated the beneficial effects of probiotics and fermented foods on viral diseases. Conclusion: Based on evidence, some probiotic strains may be useful in viral infections; randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. (C) 2021 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the potential impact of probiotics on viral diseases, finding that the generation of pro-inflammatory interleukins and type I interferon production seemed to be the main antiviral effects of probiotics. The beneficial effects of probiotics and fermented foods on viral diseases were also highlighted.