Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 37057

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna Ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: probiotics; beneficial microbes; antimicrobial effect; lactobacilli; bifidobacteria; fermented foods
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the definition accepted by the WHO and FAO in 2001 and the grammatical update conducted by the Panel of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics in 2014, probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” The antimicrobial or antagonistic activity of probiotics is an important property that includes the production of antimicrobial compounds, competitive exclusion of pathogens, enhancement of the intestinal barrier function in resisting pathogens and others. There are many methods to ascertain probiotic properties, including various in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vitro methods include various modifications of the spot‐on lawn assay, agar well diffusion assay (AWDA), co‐culturing methods, usage of cell lines and others. The in vivo methods utilise animal models; however, their use is being restricted according to the European legislation OJ L136. The most important studies are double‐blinded randomized placebo controlled clinical trials; however, these studies are difficult to perform as it is not easy to achieve uniform conditions. There is a clear need for more elaborate assays that would better represent the complex interactions between the probiotics and the final host.

Our issue would mainly focus on:
1. The antimicrobial or antagonistic activity of probiotics.
2. The methods to ascertain probiotic properties, including various in vitro and in vivo methods.

Dr. Sabina Fijan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • probiotics
  • antimicrobial effect
  • in vivo methods
  • in vitro methods
  • clinical studies

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 214 KiB  
Editorial
Probiotics and Their Antimicrobial Effect
by Sabina Fijan
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 528; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms11020528 - 19 Feb 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4224
Abstract
This Special Issue of the journal Microorganisms highlights the importance of the antimicrobial effect of probiotics [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)

Research

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14 pages, 3251 KiB  
Article
Uptake of Levilactobacillus brevis JCM 1059 by THP-1 Cells via Interaction between SlpB and CAP-1 Promotes Cytokine Production
by Tingyu Yin, Xiaoxi Zhang, Shun Iwatani, Kazuhiko Miyanaga and Naoyuki Yamamoto
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 247; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms11020247 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1761
Abstract
Several probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exert immunomodulatory effects on the host. However, the reasons for the different effects of LAB have not been fully elucidated. To understand the different immunomodulatory effects of LAB, we evaluated the levels of critical molecules in differentiated [...] Read more.
Several probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exert immunomodulatory effects on the host. However, the reasons for the different effects of LAB have not been fully elucidated. To understand the different immunomodulatory effects of LAB, we evaluated the levels of critical molecules in differentiated monocytic THP-1 and dendritic cells (DCs) following the uptake of various LAB strains. Lactobacillus helveticus JCM 1120, Lactobacillus acidophilus JCM 1132, Levilactobacillus brevis JCM 1059, and Lentilactobacillus kefiri JCM 5818 showed significantly higher uptake among the 12 LAB species tested. The uptake of microbeads by THP-1 DC increased when coupled with the surface layer proteins (Slps) from the tested strains. SlpB was mainly observed in the L. brevis JCM 1059 Slps extract. The expected cell surface receptor for SlpB on THP-1 DC was purified using SlpB-coupled affinity resin and identified as adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP-1). SlpB binding to THP-1 DC decreased after the addition of anti-CAP-1 and anti-DC-SIGN antibodies but not after the addition of anti-macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) antibody. These results suggest that SlpB on L. brevis JCM 1059 plays preferentially binds to CAP-1 on THP-1 DC and plays a crucial role in bacterial uptake by THP-1 cells as well as in subsequent interleukin-12 (IL-12) production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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27 pages, 3264 KiB  
Article
The Antimicrobial Effect of Various Single-Strain and Multi-Strain Probiotics, Dietary Supplements or Other Beneficial Microbes against Common Clinical Wound Pathogens
by Sabina Fijan, Primož Kocbek, Andrej Steyer, Polona Maver Vodičar and Maja Strauss
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2518; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10122518 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2344
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is colonized by a diverse microbiota that works in harmony to protect the skin. However, when skin damage occurs, the skin microbiota is also disrupted, and pathogens can invade the wound and [...] Read more.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is colonized by a diverse microbiota that works in harmony to protect the skin. However, when skin damage occurs, the skin microbiota is also disrupted, and pathogens can invade the wound and cause infection. Probiotics or other beneficial microbes and their metabolites are one possible alternative treatment for combating skin pathogens via their antimicrobial effectiveness. The objective of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of seven multi-strain dietary supplements and eleven single-strain microbes that contain probiotics against 15 clinical wound pathogens using the agar spot assay, co-culturing assay, and agar well diffusion assay. We also conducted genera-specific and species-specific molecular methods to detect the DNA in the dietary supplements and single-strain beneficial microbes. We found that the multi-strain dietary supplements exhibited a statistically significant higher antagonistic effect against the challenge wound pathogens than the single-strain microbes and that lactobacilli-containing dietary supplements and single-strain microbes were significantly more efficient than the selected propionibacteria and bacilli. Differences in results between methods were also observed, possibly due to different mechanisms of action. Individual pathogens were susceptible to different dietary supplements or single-strain microbes. Perhaps an individual approach such as a ‘probiogram’ could be a possibility in the future as a method to find the most efficient targeted probiotic strains, cell-free supernatants, or neutralized cell-free supernatants that have the highest antagonistic effect against individual clinical wound pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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17 pages, 3287 KiB  
Article
Probiotic Characteristics and Antimicrobial Potential of a Native Bacillus subtilis Strain Fa17.2 Rescued from Wild Bromelia sp. Flowers
by Gabriela N. Tenea, Gabriela Lizeth Gonzalez and Jose Luis Moreno
Microorganisms 2022, 10(5), 860; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10050860 - 21 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2099
Abstract
In the present study, we identified the Bacillus subtilis strain annotated Fa17.2 isolated from Bromelia flower inflorescences collected from the subtropical humid mesothermal region, Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas Province, Ecuador. The probiotic capacity and antimicrobial potential against four foodborne pathogens were assessed. [...] Read more.
In the present study, we identified the Bacillus subtilis strain annotated Fa17.2 isolated from Bromelia flower inflorescences collected from the subtropical humid mesothermal region, Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas Province, Ecuador. The probiotic capacity and antimicrobial potential against four foodborne pathogens were assessed. The cell culture of Fa17.2 is highly resistant to synthetic gastric acid (pH 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5), bile salts (0.3%), tolerating different sodium chloride concentrations (1, 3, and 5%), and growth conditions (15 °C and 45 °C), suggesting its potential probiotic features. The isolate showed no antibiotic resistance and was considered safe as no hemolysis was detected on sheep blood agar. The optimum medium for bacterial growth and the release of antimicrobial compounds was MRS with 10% glucose. The active components released in the neutralized crude extract (NCE) were insensitive to organic solvents, surfactants, and nonproteolytic enzymes and sensitive to proteolytic enzymes suggesting their proteinaceous nature. The antimicrobial activity was enhanced by heat and maintained active over a wide range of pH (2.0–8.0). Moreover, the crude extract (CE) showed inhibitory activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The molecular weight of partially purified precipitated bacteriocin-like substances (BLISs) was about 14 kDa in 20% Tricine-SDS-PAGE. The CE obtained from Fa17.2 inhibits the growth of four foodborne pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Kosaconia cowanii, and Shigella dysenteriae, which implies its potential as an antimicrobial producer strain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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16 pages, 2418 KiB  
Article
Leuconostoc mesenteroides Strains Isolated from Carrots Show Probiotic Features
by Emily Schifano, Alberta Tomassini, Adele Preziosi, Jorge Montes, Walter Aureli, Patrizia Mancini, Alfredo Miccheli and Daniela Uccelletti
Microorganisms 2021, 9(11), 2290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9112290 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2619
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share several beneficial effects on human organisms, such as bioactive metabolites’ release, pathogens’ competition and immune stimulation. This study aimed at determining the probiotic potential of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from carrots. In particular, the work reported the [...] Read more.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share several beneficial effects on human organisms, such as bioactive metabolites’ release, pathogens’ competition and immune stimulation. This study aimed at determining the probiotic potential of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from carrots. In particular, the work reported the characterization at the species level of four LAB strains deriving from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy). Ribosomal 16S DNA analysis allowed identification of three strains belonging to Leuconostoc mesenteroides and a Weissella soli strain. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the probiotic potential of the different isolates. Among them, L. mesenteroides C2 and L. mesenteroides C7 showed high survival percentages under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibly and the ability to inhibit in vitro growth against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. In parallel, the simple model Caenorhabditis elegans was used for in vivo screenings. L. mesenteroides C2 and L. mesenteroides C7 strains significantly induced pro-longevity effects, protection from pathogens’ infection and innate immunity stimulation. Overall, these results showed that some autochthonous LAB from vegetables such as carrots have functional features to be considered as novel probiotic candidates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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15 pages, 977 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Effects of Potential Probiotics of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Human Microbiota: In Vitro and In Silico Methods
by Alfonso Torres-Sánchez, Jesús Pardo-Cacho, Ana López-Moreno, Ángel Ruiz-Moreno, Klara Cerk and Margarita Aguilera
Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1615; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9081615 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3952
Abstract
The variable taxa components of human gut microbiota seem to have an enormous biotechnological potential that is not yet well explored. To investigate the usefulness and applications of its biocompounds and/or bioactive substances would have a dual impact, allowing us to better understand [...] Read more.
The variable taxa components of human gut microbiota seem to have an enormous biotechnological potential that is not yet well explored. To investigate the usefulness and applications of its biocompounds and/or bioactive substances would have a dual impact, allowing us to better understand the ecology of these microbiota consortia and to obtain resources for extended uses. Our research team has obtained a catalogue of isolated and typified strains from microbiota showing resistance to dietary contaminants and obesogens. Special attention was paid to cultivable Bacillus species as potential next-generation probiotics (NGP) together with their antimicrobial production and ecological impacts. The objective of the present work focused on bioinformatic genome data mining and phenotypic analyses for antimicrobial production. In silico methods were applied over the phylogenetically closest type strain genomes of the microbiota Bacillus spp. isolates and standardized antimicrobial production procedures were used. The main results showed partial and complete gene identification and presence of polyketide (PK) clusters on the whole genome sequences (WGS) analysed. Moreover, specific antimicrobial effects against B. cereus, B. circulans, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp. confirmed their capacity of antimicrobial production. In conclusion, Bacillus strains isolated from human gut microbiota and taxonomic group, resistant to Bisphenols as xenobiotics type endocrine disruptors, showed parallel PKS biosynthesis and a phenotypic antimicrobial effect. This could modulate the composition of human gut microbiota and therefore its functionalities, becoming a predominant group when high contaminant exposure conditions are present. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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21 pages, 19995 KiB  
Article
Potential Probiotic Bacillus subtilis Isolated from a Novel Niche Exhibits Broad Range Antibacterial Activity and Causes Virulence and Metabolic Dysregulation in Enterotoxic E. coli
by Sudhanshu Sudan, Robert Flick, Linda Nong and Julang Li
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1483; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9071483 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3454
Abstract
Microbial life in extreme environments, such as deserts and deep oceans, is thought to have evolved to overcome constraints of nutrient availability, temperature, and suboptimal hygiene environments. Isolation of probiotic bacteria from such niche may provide a competitive edge over traditional probiotics. Here, [...] Read more.
Microbial life in extreme environments, such as deserts and deep oceans, is thought to have evolved to overcome constraints of nutrient availability, temperature, and suboptimal hygiene environments. Isolation of probiotic bacteria from such niche may provide a competitive edge over traditional probiotics. Here, we tested the survival, safety, and antimicrobial effect of a recently isolated and potential novel strain of Bacillus subtilis (CP9) from desert camel in vitro. Antimicrobial assays were performed via radial diffusion, agar spot, and co-culture assays. Cytotoxic analysis was performed using pig intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Real time-PCR was performed for studying the effect on ETEC virulence genes and metabolomic analysis was performed using LC-MS. The results showed that CP9 cells were viable in varied bile salts and in low pH environments. CP9 showed no apparent cytotoxicity in IPEC-J2 cells. CP9 displayed significant bactericidal effect against Enterotoxic E. coli (ETEC), Salmonella Typhimurium, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a contact inhibitory fashion. CP9 reduced the expression of ETEC virulent genes during a 5 h co-culture. Additionally, a unique emergent metabolic signature in co-culture samples was observed by LC-MS analysis. Our findings indicate that CP9 exhibits a strong antibacterial property and reveals potential mechanisms behind. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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Review

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16 pages, 1165 KiB  
Review
Recent Trends and Applications of Nanoencapsulated Bacteriocins against Microbes in Food Quality and Safety
by Bakhtawar Shafique, Muhammad Modassar Ali Nawaz Ranjha, Mian Anjum Murtaza, Noman Walayat, Asad Nawaz, Waseem Khalid, Shahid Mahmood, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Faisal Manzoor, Kashif Ameer, Rana Muhammad Aadil and Salam A. Ibrahim
Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 85; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms11010085 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2727
Abstract
Bacteriocins are ribosomal-synthesized peptides or proteins produced by bacterial strains and can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Numerous factors influence the potential activity of bacteriocins in food matrices. For example, food additives usage, chemical composition, physical conditions of food, and sensitivity of proteolytic enzymes can [...] Read more.
Bacteriocins are ribosomal-synthesized peptides or proteins produced by bacterial strains and can inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Numerous factors influence the potential activity of bacteriocins in food matrices. For example, food additives usage, chemical composition, physical conditions of food, and sensitivity of proteolytic enzymes can constrain the application of bacteriocins as beneficial food preservatives. However, novel bacteriocin nanoencapsulation has appeared as an encouraging solution. In this review, we highlight the bacteriocins produced by Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria including lactic acid bacteria that have shown positive results as potential food preservatives. In addition, this review encompasses the major focus on bacteriocins encapsulation with nanotechnology to enhance the antimicrobial action of bacteriocins. Several strategies can be employed to encapsulate bacteriocins; however, the nanotechnological approach is one of the most effective strategies for avoiding limitations. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, chitosan, protein, and polysaccharides have been discussed to show their importance in the nanoencapsulation method. The nanoparticles are combined with bacteriocins to develop the nano-encapsulated bacteriocins from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria including LAB. In food systems, nanoencapsulation enhances the stability and antimicrobial functionality of active peptides. This nanotechnological application provides a formulation of a broad range of antimicrobial peptides at the industry-scale level. Nano-formulated bacteriocins have been discussed along with examples to show a broader antimicrobial spectrum, increase bacteriocins’ applicability, extend antimicrobial spectrum and enhance stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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18 pages, 388 KiB  
Review
The Weissella Genus: Clinically Treatable Bacteria with Antimicrobial/Probiotic Effects on Inflammation and Cancer
by Sadia Ahmed, Sargun Singh, Vaidhvi Singh, Kyle D. Roberts, Arsalan Zaidi and Alexander Rodriguez-Palacios
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2427; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10122427 - 07 Dec 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3359
Abstract
Weissella is a genus earlier considered a member of the family Leuconostocaceae, which was reclassified into the family Lactobacillaceae in 1993. Recently, there have been studies emphasizing the probiotic and anti-inflammatory potential of various species of Weissella, of which W. confusa and [...] Read more.
Weissella is a genus earlier considered a member of the family Leuconostocaceae, which was reclassified into the family Lactobacillaceae in 1993. Recently, there have been studies emphasizing the probiotic and anti-inflammatory potential of various species of Weissella, of which W. confusa and W. cibaria are the most representative. Other species within this genus include: W. paramesenteroides, W. viridescens, W. halotolerans, W. minor, W. kandleri, W. soli, W. ghanensis, W. hellenica, W. thailandensis, W. fabalis, W. cryptocerci, W. koreensis, W. beninensis, W. fabaria, W. oryzae, W. ceti, W. uvarum, W. bombi, W. sagaensis, W. kimchi, W. muntiaci, W. jogaejeotgali, W. coleopterorum, W. hanii, W. salipiscis, and W. diestrammenae. Weissella confusa, W. paramesenteroides, W. koreensis, and W. cibaria are among the few species that have been isolated from human samples, although the identification of these and other species is possible using metagenomics, as we have shown for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy controls. We were able to isolate Weissella in gut-associated bacteria (post 24 h food deprivation and laxatives). Other sources of isolation include fermented food, soil, and skin/gut/saliva of insects/animals. With the potential for hospital and industrial applications, there is a concern about possible infections. Herein, we present the current applications of Weissella on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory mechanistic effects, the predisposing factors (e.g., vancomycin) for pathogenicity in humans, and the antimicrobials used in patients. To address the medical concerns, we examined 28 case reports focused on W. confusa and found that 78.5% of infections were bacteremia (of which 7 were fatal; 1 for lack of treatment), 8 were associated with underlying malignancies, and 8 with gastrointestinal procedures/diseases of which 2 were Crohn’s disease patients. In cases of a successful resolution, commonly administered antibiotics included: cephalosporin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and daptomycin. Despite reports of Weissella-related infections, the evolving mechanistic findings suggest that Weissella are clinically treatable bacteria with emerging antimicrobial and probiotic benefits ranging from oral health, skin care, obesity, and inflammatory diseases to cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
21 pages, 383 KiB  
Review
The Efficacy of Probiotics as Antiviral Agents for the Treatment of Rotavirus Gastrointestinal Infections in Children: An Updated Overview of Literature
by Andrej Steyer, Dušanka Mičetić-Turk and Sabina Fijan
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2392; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10122392 - 02 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3543
Abstract
Enteric viruses, including the rotavirus, norovirus, and adenoviruses, are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis. The rotavirus disease is especially prevalent among children, and studies over the past decade have revealed complex interactions between rotaviruses and the gut microbiota. One way to [...] Read more.
Enteric viruses, including the rotavirus, norovirus, and adenoviruses, are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis. The rotavirus disease is especially prevalent among children, and studies over the past decade have revealed complex interactions between rotaviruses and the gut microbiota. One way to treat and prevent dysbiosis is the use of probiotics as an antiviral agent. This review focuses on the latest scientific evidence on the antiviral properties of probiotics against rotavirus gastroenteric infections in children. A total of 19 studies exhibited a statistically significant antiviral effect of probiotics. The main probiotics that were effective were Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and various multi-strain probiotics. The underlying mechanism of the probiotics against rotavirus gastroenteric infections in children included immune enhancement and modulation of intestinal microbiota leading to shortening of diarrhoea. However, several clinical studies also found no significant difference in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group even though well-known strains were used, thus showing the importance of correct dosage, duration of treatment, quality of probiotics and the possible influence of other factors, such as the production process of probiotics and the influence of immunisation on the effect of probiotics. Therefore, more robust, well-designed clinical studies addressing all factors are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
11 pages, 488 KiB  
Review
Gut Dysbiosis during COVID-19 and Potential Effect of Probiotics
by Yuan-Pin Hung, Ching-Chi Lee, Jen-Chieh Lee, Pei-Jane Tsai and Wen-Chien Ko
Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1605; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9081605 - 28 Jul 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5208
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an RNA virus of the family Coronaviridae, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an influenza-like disease that chiefly infects the lungs through respiratory transmission. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, a transmembrane protein in its outer portion, [...] Read more.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an RNA virus of the family Coronaviridae, causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an influenza-like disease that chiefly infects the lungs through respiratory transmission. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, a transmembrane protein in its outer portion, targets angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the binding receptor for the cell entry. As ACE2 is highly expressed in the gut and pulmonary tissues, SARS-CoV-2 infections frequently result in gastrointestinal inflammation, with presentations ordinarily ranging from intestinal cramps to complications with intestinal perforations. However, the evidence detailing successful therapy for gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 patients is currently limited. A significant change in fecal microbiomes, namely dysbiosis, was characterized by the enrichment of opportunistic pathogens and the depletion of beneficial commensals and their crucial association to COVID-19 severity has been evidenced. Oral probiotics had been evidenced to improve gut health in achieving homeostasis by exhibiting their antiviral effects via the gut–lung axis. Although numerous commercial probiotics have been effective against coronavirus, their efficacies in treating COVID-19 patients remain debated. In ClinicalTrials.gov, 19 clinical trials regarding the dietary supplement of probiotics, in terms of Lactobacillus and mixtures of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, for treating COVID-19 cases are ongoing. Accordingly, the preventive or therapeutic role of probiotics for COVID-19 patients can be elucidated in the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect)
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