Abstract
Aim: COVID-19, a newly discovered virus disease, can be affected by
probiotics. So, we tried to review the possible effects and associations
of probiotics on viral infections focusing on SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We
searched on PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and
Web of Science up to May 2020 to identify interventional &
observational studies documenting the effects of probiotics strains on
interleukins, virus titres, and antibody production with a focus on
confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: From a total of 93
records, 21 studies were obtained and classified into three domains
based on the efficacy of probiotics on 1)the level of interleukins
(n=7), 2)virus titres reduction (n=2), and 3)antibody production (n=12).
The suppuration of proinflammatory interleukins and type I interferon
(IFN) production seemed to be the main anti-viral strategy of
probiotics. Conclusion: Based on evidence, some probiotic strains may be
useful in SARS-CoV-2 infection; randomized trials are needed to confirm
these findings.