Targeting Microbiome: An Alternative Strategy for Fighting SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Policlinico "Umberto I" University Hospital, Rome, Italy. Medical Statistic and Molecular Epidemiology Unit, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy. Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, University of Biomedical Campus, Rome, Italy. Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, giancarlo.ceccarelli@uniroma1.it. COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Policlinico "Umberto I" University Hospital, Rome, Italy, giancarlo.ceccarelli@uniroma1.it. Migrant and Global Health Research Organization (Mi-HeRo), Rome, Italy, giancarlo.ceccarelli@uniroma1.it.

Chemotherapy. 2021;(1-2):24-32

Abstract

Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the predominant clinical manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Infecting intestinal epithelial cells, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may impact on host's microbiota and gut inflammation. It is well established that an imbalanced intestinal microbiome can affect pulmonary function, modulating the host immune response ("gut-lung axis"). While effective vaccines and targeted drugs are being tested, alternative pathophysiology-based options to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection must be considered on top of the limited evidence-based therapy currently available. Addressing intestinal dysbiosis with a probiotic supplement may, therefore, be a sensible option to be evaluated, in addition to current best available medical treatments. Herein, we summed up pathophysiologic assumptions and current evidence regarding bacteriotherapy administration in preventing and treating COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methodological quality

Publication Type : Review

Metadata