Nasal-spraying Bacillus spores as an effective symptomatic treatment for children with acute respiratory syncytial virus infection
Dien Minh Tran, Tu Thanh Tran, Thuy Thi Bich Phung, Huyen Bui, Phuc Thanh Thi Nguyen, Tam Thi Vu, Nga Thi Phuong Ngo, Mai Thi Nguyen, Anh H. Nguyen, Anh Thi Van Nguyen
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs) in young children. However, there is currently no vaccine or treatment available for children. Here, we demonstrated that nasal-spraying probiotics containing 5 billion of Bacillus spores (LiveSpo Navax) is an effective symptomatic treatment in a 6-day randomized controlled clinical study for RSV-infected children (n = 40-46/group). Navax treatment resulted in 1-day faster recovery-time and 10-50% better efficacy in relieving ARTI symptoms. At day 3, RSV load and level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in nasopharyngeal samples was reduced by 630 folds and 2.7-12.7 folds respectively. This showed 53-fold and 1.8-3.6-fold more effective than those in the control-standard of care-group. In summary, nasal-spraying Bacillus spores can rapidly and effectively relieve symptoms of RSV-induced ARTIs while exhibit strong impacts in reducing viral load and inflammation. Our nasal-spraying probiotics may provide a basis for simple-to-use, low-cost, and effective treatment against viral infection in general.