Targeting Microbiome: An Alternative Strategy for Fighting SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Ornella Spagnolello, Claudia Pinacchio, Letizia Santinelli, Paolo Vassalini, Giuseppe Pietro Innocenti, Gabriella De Girolamo, Silvia Fabris, Marta Giovanetti, Silvia Angeletti, Alessandro Russo, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Massimo Ciccozzi, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Gabriella d’Ettorre
Abstract
Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are the predominant clinical manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Infecting intestinal epithelial cells, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may impact on host's microbiota and gut inflammation. It is well established that an imbalanced intestinal microbiome can affect pulmonary function, modulating the host immune response ("gut-lung axis"). While effective vaccines and targeted drugs are being tested, alternative pathophysiology-based options to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection must be considered on top of the limited evidence-based therapy currently available. Addressing intestinal dysbiosis with a probiotic supplement may, therefore, be a sensible option to be evaluated, in addition to current best available medical treatments. Herein, we summed up pathophysiologic assumptions and current evidence regarding bacteriotherapy administration in preventing and treating COVID-19 pneumonia.