Antiviral Potential of probiotics

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESProbiotics are live microorganisms that offer a range of health benefits. The use of probiotics is widespread in managing various diseases, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. With the rise in viral infections, and by growing need to investigate the antiviral properties of probiotics to prevent or manage viral infections.MATERIALS AND METHODSthe mechanisms that contribute to their beneficial effects, including the production of antimicrobial substances, regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, stimulation of mucus secretion, and the maturation of dendritic cells. Some specific strains of probiotics have been found to increase levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce symptoms of viral-disease, Probiotics also exhibit antiviral activity by impeding virus adsorption.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONWith the rise in viral infections, growing need to investigate the antiviral properties of probiotics to prevent or manage viral infections; Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to improve innate immunity, increase antiviral cytokine production, and inhibit virus adhesion and replication. Bifidobacterium bifidum enhances the production of antibodies against viruses, regulates the immune response, inhibits viral replication. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG stimulates the immune system, reduces the severity of viral infections, and inhibits the replication of pathogenic viruses, Saccharomyces boulardii stimulate the body's immune response against viral infections and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.CONCLUSIONthe antiviral properties of probiotics are strain-specific and depend on various factors such as the mode of action, the type of virus, and the host's immune response. the antiviral effect is likely achieved through direct physical interaction between bacteria and virus particles, which impairs virus entry into its mammalian host cell the antiviral activities of probiotics are limited to certain viruses, it targets viral proteins to inhibit the multiplication of the virus This could be achieved via the inhibition of viral entry and replication, or by suppression of the immunologic response that is provoked by the infection (known as the cytokine storm), although peptides like p۱۸ extracted from probiotics, which can have antiviral properties. The antiviral properties of probiotics provide a promising approach to managing and preventing viral infections.