Bacteriophages: A Possible Choice for Treatment of Viral Respiratory Infections and COVID-19

Author(s):  
Faezeh Abbaszadeh ◽  
Narges Eslami ◽  
Parisa Shiri Aghbash ◽  
Hamed Ebrahimzadeh Leylabadlo ◽  
Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi

: Viral respiratory infections are a leading cause of illness and mortality in all age groups worldwide. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world, igniting the twenty-first century’s deadliest pandemic. Research has shown that phages, which are bacterial viruses, can help treat viral infections with the effect on the immune system and their antiviral activity. Phages have specific activity and affect only the target without any side effects on other parts of the human body. Human phage-related diseases have not been reported yet; therefore, phages can be a very safe treatment, especially in many viral infections. The results of clinical studies have a promising future regarding the use of phages. It is possible that the phages display technique aided in the production of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies against its viral protein, which prevented the virus from binding or replicating and preventing secondary microbial infections, which have been linked to many patient deaths. Furthermore, an effective antiviral vaccine can be produced by using the same technique. Given the growing number of coronaviruses cases around the world, in the present paper, we review the possible mechanisms of phages against the COVID-19 disease and the method that may be a solution to eliminate the virus.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos C. Lee ◽  
Yunjin Jeong ◽  
Sumin Lee ◽  
Haewook Jang ◽  
Allen Zheng ◽  
...  

In addition to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, emerging viruses that cause respiratory viral infections will continue to arise. Increasing evidence suggests a delayed, possibly suppressed, type 1 interferon (IFN-I) response occurs early during COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections such as SARS and MERS. These observations prompt considering IFN-β as a prophylactic or early intervention for respiratory viral infections. A rationale for developing and testing intranasal interferon beta (IFN-β) as an immediately available intervention for new respiratory viral infections that will arise unexpectedly in the future is presented and supported by basic and clinical trial observations. IFN-β prophylaxis could limit the spread and consequences of an emerging respiratory viral infection in at-risk individuals while specific vaccines are being developed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Krywyk ◽  
Walther Oettgen ◽  
Marc Messier ◽  
Matthieu Mulot ◽  
Laurent Toubiana

The COVID-19 pandemic affected 203 countries between December 2019 and July 2020. The early epidemic "wave" affected countries which now report a few sporadic cases, achieving a stable late phase of the epidemic. Other countries are beginning their epidemic expansion phase. The objective of our study is to characterize the dynamics of the COVID-19 spread. Data science methods were applied to pandemic, focusing on the daily fatality in 24 countries with more than 2,000 deaths, our analysis kin the end retaining 14 countries that have completed a full cycle. The analysis demonstrates a COVID-19 dynamic similar in these studied countries. This 3-phase dynamic is like that of common viral respiratory infections. This pattern, however, shows variability and therefore specificity which the method categorizes into clusters of "differentiated epidemic patterns". Among the 5 detected clusters, 2 main ones regroup 11 of these countries, representing 65% of the world deaths (as of June 24, 2020). The pattern seems common to a very large number of countries, and congruent with that of epidemics of other respiratory syndromes, opens the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic would have developed its "natural history" by spreading spontaneously despite the measures taken to contain it. The diversity highlighted by the classification into "formal clusters" suggests explanations involving the notion of demographic and geographic epicenters.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-123
Author(s):  
Helena Carvalho ◽  
Daniel Contaifer Jr ◽  
Renata N. Aranha ◽  
Juliana A. De Matos

Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses aroundthe world, the universal use of face masks imposes itself as ameasure to mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and iscurrently recommended by the World Health Organization.However, its effectiveness as a method of preventing COVID-19 is still controversial. Objective: To review the literatureon the universal use of facial masks, including fabric ones, andtheir recommendations for use. Methods: Narrative reviewof published studies on the topic. Results: Face masks act predominantlyas a source control mechanism, as they capturethe droplets expelled by the user when speaking, coughingor sneezing, protecting other people and the environmentfrom contamination by potentially infecting droplets. Evidenceof the effectiveness of its universal use as a method ofmitigating epidemics of viral respiratory infections is derivedfrom experimental studies and mathematical models. Properuse of facial masks is essential to ensure their effectivenessand prevent damage, and includes covering the nose, mouthand chin, washing the fabric masks with soap and water afteruse and hand hygiene several times a day, especially whenhandling the mask. Conclusions: The universal use of facialmasks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is justified,especially considering the occurrence of virus transmissionin the pre-symptomatic period, and should be adopted inconjunction with other measures such as adequate socialdistance and hygiene from the hands, following the motto“I protect you and you protect me”.


2020 ◽  
pp. 33-48
Author(s):  
O. A. Gromova ◽  
I. Yu. Torshin

The annual increase in the incidence of influenza, SARS, and the COVID‑19 pandemic indicate the need for comprehensive programs to support congenital antiviral immunity. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of viral respiratory infections, it is important to attenuate the effects of the so-called cytokine storm and enhanced compensation of the patient’s comorbid pathologies. Increasing the availability of zinc, vitamin C and rutoside can improve the body’s resistance to viral infections. In addition to micronutrients, to reduce the activity of allergic inflammation, second-generation H1-histamine receptor blockers (loratadine, etc.) and calcium gluconate can be used. To lower the  temperature, it is important to include paracetamol in therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miyu Moriyama ◽  
Walter J. Hugentobler ◽  
Akiko Iwasaki

The seasonal cycle of respiratory viral diseases has been widely recognized for thousands of years, as annual epidemics of the common cold and influenza disease hit the human population like clockwork in the winter season in temperate regions. Moreover, epidemics caused by viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 occur during the winter months. The mechanisms underlying the seasonal nature of respiratory viral infections have been examined and debated for many years. The two major contributing factors are the changes in environmental parameters and human behavior. Studies have revealed the effect of temperature and humidity on respiratory virus stability and transmission rates. More recent research highlights the importance of the environmental factors, especially temperature and humidity, in modulating host intrinsic, innate, and adaptive immune responses to viral infections in the respiratory tract. Here we review evidence of how outdoor and indoor climates are linked to the seasonality of viral respiratory infections. We further discuss determinants of host response in the seasonality of respiratory viruses by highlighting recent studies in the field.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Heloneida de Araújo Morais ◽  
Jailane de Souza Aquino ◽  
Juliana Kelly da Silva-Maia ◽  
Sancha Helena de Lima Vale ◽  
Bruna Leal Lima Maciel ◽  
...  

Abstract COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was recognised by the WHO as a pandemic in 2020. Host preparation to combat the virus is an important strategy to avoid COVID-19 severity. Thus, the relationship between eating habits, nutritional status and their effects on the immune response and further implications in viral respiratory infections is an important topic discussed in this review. Malnutrition causes the most diverse alterations in the immune system, suppressing of the immune response and increasing the susceptibility to infections such as SARS-CoV-2. On the other hand, obesity induces low-grade chronic inflammation caused by excess adiposity, which increases angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. It decreases the immune response favouring SARS-CoV-2 virulence and promoting respiratory distress syndrome. The present review highlights the importance of food choices considering their inflammatory effects, consequently increasing the viral susceptibility observed in malnutrition and obesity. Healthy eating habits, micronutrients, bioactive compounds and probiotics are strategies for COVID-19 prevention. Therefore, a diversified and balanced diet can contribute to the improvement of the immune response to viral infections such as COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Panossian ◽  
Thomas Brendler

The aim of our review is to demonstrate the potential of herbal preparations, specifically adaptogens for prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, as well as convalescence, specifically through supporting a challenged immune system, increasing resistance to viral infection, inhibiting severe inflammatory progression, and driving effective recovery. The evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies with Andrographis paniculata, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Glycyrrhiza spp., Panax spp., Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, their combination products and melatonin suggests that adaptogens can be useful in prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections at all stages of progression of inflammation as well as in aiding recovery of the organism by (i) modulating innate and adaptive immunity, (ii) anti-inflammatory activity, (iii) detoxification and repair of oxidative stress-induced damage in compromised cells, (iv) direct antiviral effects of inhibiting viral docking or replication, and (v) improving quality of life during convalescence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 72-76
Author(s):  
A. A. Sominina ◽  
E. V. Sorokin ◽  
T. R. Tsareva

The informational article presents the results carried out in the Laboratory of Biotechnology Research Institute of Influenza original, promising development of drugs monoclonal antibodies, which are the basis of accurate diagnostic test systems, can be used to control the process of the evolution of pathogens flu and acute viral respiratory infections, as well as to create predictive models of their variability. The paper provides a list developed by the Research Institute of Influenza monoclonal antibodies and some examples of their use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 204020662096171
Author(s):  
Dimitri Poddighe ◽  
Mohamad Aljofan

Macrolides are a large group of antibiotics characterised by the presence of a macro-lactone ring of variable size. The prototype of macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin was first produced by Streptomyces and associated species more than half a century ago; other related drugs were developed. These drugs have been shown to have several pharmacological properties: in addition to their antibiotic activity, they possess some anti-inflammatory properties and have been also considered against non-bacterial infections. In this review, we analysed the available clinical evidences regarding the potential anti-viral activity of macrolides, by focusing on erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin. Overall, there is no significant evidences so far that macrolides might have a direct benefit on most of viral infections considered in this review (RSV, Influenza, coronaviruses, Ebola and Zika viruses). However, their clinical benefit cannot be ruled out without further and focused clinical studies. Macrolides may improve the clinical course of viral respiratory infections somehow, at least through indirect mechanisms relying on some and variable anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory effects, in addition to their well-known antibacterial activity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos del Fresno ◽  
Juan García-Arriaza ◽  
Sarai Martínez-Cano ◽  
Ignacio Heras-Murillo ◽  
Aitor Jarit-Cabanillas ◽  
...  

COVID-19-specific vaccines are efficient prophylactic weapons against SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, boosting innate responses may represent an innovative way to immediately fight future emerging viral infections or boost vaccines. MV130 is a mucosal immunotherapy, based on a mixture of whole heat-inactivated bacteria, that has shown clinical efficacy against recurrent viral respiratory infections. Herein, we show that the prophylactic intranasal administration of this immunotherapy confers heterologous protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in susceptible K18-hACE2 mice. Furthermore, in C57BL/6 mice, prophylactic administration of MV130 improves the immunogenicity of two different COVID-19 vaccine formulations targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, inoculated either intramuscularly or intranasally. Independently of the vaccine candidate and vaccination route used, intranasal prophylaxis with MV130 boosted S-specific responses, including CD8+-T cell activation and the production of S-specific mucosal IgA antibodies. Therefore, the bacterial mucosal immunotherapy MV130 protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection and improves COVID-19 vaccines immunogenicity.


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