scholarly journals Role of Probiotics in Stimulating the Immune System in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3163
Author(s):  
Liisa Lehtoranta ◽  
Sinikka Latvala ◽  
Markus J. Lehtinen
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) is the most frequent cause of infectious illnesses including the common cold. Pharmacological solutions for treating or preventing viral RTIs are so far limited and thus several self-care products are available in the market. Some dietary supplements such as probiotics have been shown to modulate immune system function and their role in reducing the risk and the course of RTIs has been investigated extensively within the past decade. However, the mechanism of action and the efficacy of probiotics against viral RTIs remains unclear. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge for pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the effect of probiotics on respiratory virus infections, immune response, and the course of upper and lower respiratory tract illness. The literature summarized in this narrative review points out that specific probiotic strains seem effective in pre-clinical models, through stimulating the immune system and inhibiting viral replication. Clinical studies indicate variable efficacy on upper respiratory illnesses and lack proof of diagnosed viral infections. However, meta-analyses of clinical studies indicate that probiotics could be beneficial in upper respiratory illnesses without specific etiology. Further studies aiming at discovering the mechanisms of action of probiotics and clinical efficacy are warranted.

scholarly journals 1583. The Utility of the Immunodeficiency Scoring Index (ISI) to Predict Outcomes of Coronavirus (HCoV) Infections in Hematopietic Cell Transplant (HCT) Recipients

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S495-S495
Author(s):  
Fareed Khawaja ◽  
Terri Lynn Shigle ◽  
Shashank S Ghantoji ◽  
Marjorie Batista ◽  
Ella Ariza-Heredia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Overall Mortality

Abstract Background Respiratory viral infections in HCT recipients are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially after progression from upper respiratory tract infection (URI) to lower respiratory tract infections (LRI). Data on risk factors (RF) for LRI and mortality is lacking for HCoV infections after HCT. We aimed to validate our ISI in HCoV infections. Methods All adult HCT recipients with HCoV infection from 2015 to 2017 were evaluated. An ISI based on RF was used to classify patients as low (0–2), moderate (3–6), or high (7 or higher) risk for progression to LRI or death. We defined LRI as HCoV detected in nasal wash and/or bronchoalveolar lavage and new lung infiltrates on diagnostic imaging. Clinical parameters were collected and ISI were calculated for comparison. Results A total of 144 adult HCT recipients with 166 episodes of HCoV infections were analyzed. The most common HCoV serotype for LRI and URI was 229E (42.4%) and OC43 (37.6%), respectively, and most patients were infected between November and March each year (Figures 1 and 2). When compared with URI, patients with LRI were more likely in the pre-engraftment period, had multiple respiratory viruses infections, had nosocomially acquired HCoV, required hospitalization, ICU transfer, and mechanical ventilation (all, P < 0.05). Overall mortality rate was 4% at Day 30 from diagnosis and all patients who died had LRI with an 18% mortality. Among those who died, 33% had nosocomial infection, 67% were co-infected with another respiratory virus and 67% required mechanical ventilation. Using an ISI cut off of <4, the negative predictive value (NPV) for progression to LRI was 86% with a specificity of 76%. Conclusion HCT recipients with HCoV LRI were more likely to have a fatal outcome. The NPV of the ISI for progression to LRI was high and could be used as a prognostic tool for future studies and for therapeutic clinical trials. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Hospital-Acquired Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in the Neonatal Unit: A Comparison with Other Inpatient Groups

Neonatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-516
Author(s):  
Chiara Taylor ◽  
Shin Tan ◽  
Rebecca McClaughry ◽  
Don Sharkey
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Hospital Inpatient ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
Viral Respiratory

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Hospital-acquired viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal patients. This includes escalation of respiratory support, increased length of hospital stay, and need for home oxygen, as well as higher healthcare costs. To date, no studies have compared population rates of VRTIs across age groups. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> Quantify the rates of hospital-acquired VRTIs in our neonatal population compared with other inpatient age groups in Nottinghamshire, UK. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We compared all hospital inpatient PCR-positive viral respiratory samples between 2007 and 2013 and calculated age-stratified rates based on population estimates. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From a population of 4,707,217, we identified a previously unrecognised burden of VRTI in neonatal patients, only second to the 0–1-year-old group. Although only accounting for 1.3% of the population, half of the infections were in infants &#x3c;1 year old and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Human rhinovirus was the most dominant virus across the inpatient group, particularly in neonatal patients. Despite a two- to three-fold increase in the rate of positive samples in all groups during the colder months (1.1/1,000 October–March vs. 0.4/1,000 April–September), rates in the NICU did not change throughout the year at 4.3/1,000. Pandemic H1N1 influenza rates were 20 times higher in neonatal patients and infants &#x3c;1 year old. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Good epidemiological and interventional data are needed to help inform visiting and infection control policies to reduce transmission of hospital-acquired viral infections to this vulnerable population, particularly during pandemic seasons.

Antibiotic therapy of acute upper respiratory tract infections and otitis media in adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Paź ◽  
Magdalena Arimowicz
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

An estimated 50% of antibiotic prescriptions may be unjustified in the outpatient setting. Viruses are responsible for most acute respiratory tract infections. The viral infections are often self-limiting and only symptomatic treatment remains effective. Bacteria are involved in a small percentage of infections etiology in this area. In the case of a justified or documented suspicion of a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy may be indicated. Based on the Polish „Recommendations for the management of non-hospital respiratory infections 2016”, the indications, the rules of choice, the appropriate dosing schedules and the therapy duration, in the most frequent upper respiratory tract infections in adults, have been presented. Implementation of the presented recommendations regarding our Polish epidemiological situation, will significantly reduce the tendency to abuse antibiotics, and thus will limit the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms.

scholarly journals Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haider Abdul-Lateef Mousa
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Carnosic Acid ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
H5n1 Influenza ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

In recent years viral respiratory tract infections, especially influenza viruses, have had a major impact on communities worldwide as a result of unavailability of effective treatment or vaccine. The frequent alterations in the antigenic structures of respiratory viruses, particularly for RNA viruses, pose difficulties in production of effective vaccines. The unavailability of optimal medication and shortage of effective vaccines suggests the requirement for alternative natural therapies. Several herbal remedies were used for prevention and treatment viral respiratory illnesses. Among those that were found effective included maoto, licorice roots, antiwei, North American ginseng, berries, Echinacea, plants extracted carnosic acid, pomegranate, guava tea, and Bai Shao. There is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of several complementary therapies for colds. Oral zinc may reduce the length and severity of a cold. Taking vitamin C supplements on a regular basis only slightly reduces the length and severity of colds. Probiotics were found better than placebo in reducing the number episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections, the rate of episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infection and reducing antibiotic use. Alkaline diets or drinks might have antiviral properties as in vitro studies demonstrated inactivation effect of alkaline medium on respiratory virus. Earthing might have a natural anti-inflammatory effect for human body. It is now accepted that an overwhelming inflammatory response is the cause of human deaths from avian H5N1 influenza infection. Earthing accelerates immune response following vaccination, as demonstrated by increases of gamma globulin concentration. No in vivo or clinical studies were found that investigate the role of alkalization or earthing on respiratory viral infections. Thus, future studies are recommended to reveal any potential curative effects.

scholarly journals Whole Cell Euglena Gracilis Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Healthy Adults (P19-009-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaki Iyer ◽  
Paul Falcone ◽  
Kelli Herrlinger ◽  
Joanne Lasrado ◽  
Emily Pankow Fritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Euglena Gracilis ◽  
Illness Severity ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cause cold and flu-like symptoms, with roughly 70% of the general population experiencing at least one episode annually. The resultant lost productivity has a drastic impact with an estimated 40 M work or school days missed each year, translating to over $40B USD in lost potential. Certain populations, such as athletes and stressed workers are at an increased risk of URTIs. While diet, sleep, low stress and exercise are all important for a healthy functioning immune system, supplementation with natural ingredients could provide additional support. Euglena gracilis is a nutrient-rich natural microalgae (commonly consumed in Japan), containing immunomodulating beta 1,3-glucans, protein, some essential vitamins, and minerals. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study aimed at investigating the immunomodulating effects of a patented whole cell algae fermentate (WCF) in healthy active adults. Methods Thirty-four, healthy, active (1.5–3 hours/day of an aerobic sport, 5–6 days/week) participants were randomized to either WCF or placebo for 90 days. URTI symptoms were assessed Day (D) 1 to 90 using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey. Data are shown for the a priori defined per protocol population (n = 27). Results Participants supplemented with WCF reported a lower number of URTI symptoms from D1 to 30 (P = 0.042) and from D1 to 90 (P = 0.029), lower mean number of sick days between D1 and 30 (P = 0.047) and D1 and 90 (P = 0.041), lower mean number of URTI episodes per person (P = 0.032), and lower mean number of days with at least 1 reported URTI symptom per person (P = 0.019) between D1 and 90 compared to taking placebo. Evaluation of global illness severity found that the mean total AUC for daily symptoms was significantly lower in the WCF group compared to placebo at D1 to D30 (P = 0.043) and D1 to D90 (P = 0.049). Conclusions Supplementation with WCF positively influences the immune system by reducing URTI incidence, duration, and severity in healthy adults. It is noteworthy that in the absence of the intervention, active young adults reported more URTI episodes, sick days, and global illness severity, respectively. These data suggest the ability of WCF supplementation to strengthen the immune response as evidenced by reduced cold and flu symptoms. Funding Sources Kemin Foods L.C.

scholarly journals Time-course of upper respiratory tract viral infection and COPD exacerbation

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 1900407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiana Stolz ◽  
Eleni Papakonstantinou ◽  
Leticia Grize ◽  
Daniel Schilter ◽  
Werner Strobel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Stable Period ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Viral respiratory tract infections have been implicated as the predominant risk factor for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We aimed to evaluate, longitudinally, the association between upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) caused by viruses and AECOPD.Detection of 18 viruses was performed in naso- and orοpharyngeal swabs from 450 COPD patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 2–4) who were followed for a mean of 27 months. Swabs were taken during stable periods (n=1909), at URTI onset (n=391), 10 days after the URTI (n=356) and during an AECOPD (n=177) and tested using a multiplex nucleic acid amplification test.Evidence of at least one respiratory virus was significantly higher at URTI onset (52.7%), 10 days after the URTI (15.2%) and during an AECOPD (38.4%), compared with the stable period (5.3%, p<0.001). During stable visits, rhinovirus accounted for 54.2% of all viral infections, followed by coronavirus (20.5%). None of the viruses were identified in two consecutive stable visits. Patients with a viral infection at URTI onset did not have a higher incidence of exacerbation than patients without viral infection (p=0.993). Τhe incidence of any viral infection during an AECOPD was similar between URTI-related AECOPD and non-URTI-related AECOPD (p=0.359). Only 24% of the patients that had a URTI-related AECOPD had the same virus at URTI onset and during an AECOPD. Detection of parainfluenza 3 at URTI onset was associated with a higher risk of an AECOPD (p=0.003). Rhinovirus and coronavirus were the most frequently detected viruses during AECOPD visits, accounting for 35.7% and 25.9% of all viral infections, respectively.The prevalence of viral infection during the stable period of COPD was low. The risk of exacerbation following the onset of URTI symptoms depends on the particular virus associated with the event and was significant only for parainfluenza 3.

scholarly journals Human Bocavirus: Passenger or Pathogen in Acute Respiratory Tract Infections?

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Schildgen ◽  
Andreas Müller ◽  
Tobias Allander ◽  
Ian M. Mackay ◽  
Sebastian Völz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Human Bocavirus ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Virus Shedding ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Detection Frequency ◽  
Tract Disease ◽  
Tract Infections

SUMMARY Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly identified virus tentatively assigned to the family Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae, genus Bocavirus. HBoV was first described in 2005 and has since been detected in respiratory tract secretions worldwide. Herein we review the literature on HBoV and discuss the biology and potential clinical impact of this virus. Most studies have been PCR based and performed on patients with acute respiratory symptoms, from whom HBoV was detected in 2 to 19% of the samples. HBoV-positive samples have been derived mainly from infants and young children. HBoV DNA has also been detected in the blood of patients with respiratory tract infection and in fecal samples of patients with diarrhea with or without concomitant respiratory symptoms. A characteristic feature of HBoV studies is the high frequency of coinciding detections, or codetections, with other viruses. Available data nevertheless indicate a statistical association between HBoV and acute respiratory tract disease. We present a model incorporating these somewhat contradictory findings and suggest that primary HBoV infection causes respiratory tract symptoms which can be followed by prolonged low-level virus shedding in the respiratory tract. Detection of the virus in this phase will be facilitated by other infections, either simply via increased sample cell count or via reactivation of HBoV, leading to an increased detection frequency of HBoV during other virus infections. We conclude that the majority of available HBoV studies are limited by the sole use of PCR diagnostics on respiratory tract secretions, addressing virus prevalence but not disease association. The ability to detect primary infection through the development of improved diagnostic methods will be of great importance for future studies seeking to assign a role for HBoV in causing respiratory illnesses.

scholarly journals Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Sport and the Immune System Response. A Review

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 362
Author(s):  
Antonio Cicchella ◽  
Claudio Stefanelli ◽  
Marika Massaro
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
System Response ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Immune System Response ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Heavy Training

Immunity is the consequence of a complex interaction between organs and the environment. It is mediated the interaction of several genes, receptors, molecules, hormones, cytokines, antibodies, antigens, and inflammatory mediators which in turn relate and influence the psychological health. The immune system response of heavily trained athletes resembles an even more complex conditions being theorized to follow a J or S shape dynamics at times. High training loads modify the immune response elevating the biological markers of immunity and the body susceptibility to infections. Heavy training and/or training in a cold environment increase the athletes’ risk to develop Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). Therefore, athletes, who are considered healthier than the normal population, are in fact more prone to infections of the respiratory tract, due to lowering of the immune system in the time frames subsequent heavy training sessions. In this revision we will review the behavioral intervention, including nutritional approaches, useful to minimize the “open window” effect on infection and how to cope with stressors and boost the immune system in athletes.

How to use…respiratory viral studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (5) ◽  
pp. 274-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon B Drysdale ◽  
Dominic F Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract Disease ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Disease ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Viral respiratory tract infections are the most common infections of childhood. They result in clinical syndromes ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe lower respiratory tract disease requiring intensive care. Respiratory viruses are most commonly identified from a respiratory swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate by real-time PCR, which has a very high sensitivity and specificity. In this article, we review when and how children should be tested for viral respiratory tract infections and how to interpret the result in context of the clinical picture.

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