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Open Access October 31, 2023

Effectiveness of Probiotics for Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Recently specific interactions and crosslinks between the gut microbiota and the lungs have been recognized, particularly with regard to respiratory immune and anti-microbial reactions. This is often known as the “gut-lung axis” or “a common mucosal immunological system”. Objective: The aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate evidence, from published clinical trials and cohort studies, if probiotics may have an effect in improving and managing COVID-19 symptoms. Materials and methods: The available studies were searched through a comprehensive search of electronic databases that included PubMed, Science Direct, Scirus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), using a combination of the following keywords: “COVID-19" OR [...] Read more.
Background: Recently specific interactions and crosslinks between the gut microbiota and the lungs have been recognized, particularly with regard to respiratory immune and anti-microbial reactions. This is often known as the “gut-lung axis” or “a common mucosal immunological system”. Objective: The aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate evidence, from published clinical trials and cohort studies, if probiotics may have an effect in improving and managing COVID-19 symptoms. Materials and methods: The available studies were searched through a comprehensive search of electronic databases that included PubMed, Science Direct, Scirus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), using a combination of the following keywords: “COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2" AND "Microbiota" OR "Probiotics” OR “Gut Lung Axis”. The literature was reviewed until August 31, 2022. Results: Only 3 studies were included. One of them evaluated the efficacy of probiotics in COVID-19 patients to obtain complete remission of all signs and symptoms. The clinical trial proves that probiotics have a significant effect on complete remission of all signs and symptoms of COVID-19 patients with statistical significant difference. Only one clinical trial out of the 3 included studies had evaluated the need for O2 therapy during the study between the probiotics and control groups, but without statistical significant difference. No statistical significant difference between the probiotics group and placebo group was observed regarding fatal prognosis during the only clinical trial that measured death as an outcome. Conclusion: We couldn’t judge on these results as they are insufficient data for pooling and meta-analysis. However, what we can say is “Most probably Probiotics have no role in treatment of COVID-19 infection”.
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Meta-Analysis
Open Access October 31, 2023

Role of Probiotics and Colchicine in COVID-19 Management?

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging human disease caused by a novel coronavirus, causing a global pandemic crisis. Probiotics and/or colchicine may be considered as options for treatment since they have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the current review was to assess the effectiveness of probiotic supplements and [...] Read more.
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging human disease caused by a novel coronavirus, causing a global pandemic crisis. Probiotics and/or colchicine may be considered as options for treatment since they have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the current review was to assess the effectiveness of probiotic supplements and colchicine on symptoms, duration, and progression of mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 infection. Review: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the United States with 182 participants who were randomly assigned to receive daily oral probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) LGG or placebo for 28 days. The study indicated that LGG is well-tolerated and is associated with a delay in the onset of COVID-19 infection, a reduction in the incidence of symptoms, and alterations in the structure of the gut microbiome when administered as post-exposure prophylaxis within seven days of exposure. Colchicine may lessen mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. Conclusion: Probiotics and/or colchicine may be viable treatment options for COVID-19 patients. To examine the efficacy of probiotics and colchicine in the treatment of COVID-19, it is necessary to conduct additional clinical trials and provide clinicians with evidence, as there are currently insufficient studies to support this conclusion.
Brief Review
Open Access February 07, 2023

Relations between Dentistry and COVID-19 Infections

Abstract As a result of the virus's global dissemination, novel COVID-19 infections have emerged as a significant obstacle for all healthcare professionals to overcome. Dental specialist plays an effective role in the prevention of coronavirus. Dental care units and settings face various problems relating to the transmission of disease during treatment and dental operations. Blood, saliva, and mixed water [...] Read more.
As a result of the virus's global dissemination, novel COVID-19 infections have emerged as a significant obstacle for all healthcare professionals to overcome. Dental specialist plays an effective role in the prevention of coronavirus. Dental care units and settings face various problems relating to the transmission of disease during treatment and dental operations. Blood, saliva, and mixed water droplets possessing the virus cause contamination of equipment used for dental treatment. Both patients and workers may become transmitters and infectors of COVID-19 through direct contact during dental operations. Both dental workers and patients are likely to become infectors and transmitters of COVID-19. The dental care routine is very effective as we discussed below the prevention steps are very effective. All healthcare workers at the dentistry clinics, including nurses, should collaborate to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus among patients.
Brief Review
Open Access October 25, 2022

Ivermectin for Treatment of COVID-19?

Abstract Many attempts have been made to repurpose existing and approved drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. This involves anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, which have been shown to be less successful than initially believed, with a substantial risk of often fatal complications and interactions. This also involves Remdesivir, which has been shown to decrease recovery time significantly in hospitalized patients. However, for patients who are not yet hospitalized, there is no currently accepted treatment. Treating patients before they need to be admitted or even prophylactically could greatly decrease the load on hospitals, protect healthcare workers and reduce the spread of COVID-19. An in-vitro study indicated that Ivermectin was dynamic against COVID-19-infected cell. Ivermectin has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer, immunomodulatory properties. [...] Read more.
Many attempts have been made to repurpose existing and approved drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. This involves anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, which have been shown to be less successful than initially believed, with a substantial risk of often fatal complications and interactions. This also involves Remdesivir, which has been shown to decrease recovery time significantly in hospitalized patients. However, for patients who are not yet hospitalized, there is no currently accepted treatment. Treating patients before they need to be admitted or even prophylactically could greatly decrease the load on hospitals, protect healthcare workers and reduce the spread of COVID-19. An in-vitro study indicated that Ivermectin was dynamic against COVID-19-infected cell. Ivermectin has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer, immunomodulatory properties. This drug could reduce the viral load in COVID-9 infected patients, with potential effect on disease progression and spread. Therefore, Ivermectin may be a therapeutic choice for treatment of COVID-19, however, there is still a lack of evidence-based studies to support ivermectin treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Opinion
Open Access September 30, 2022

Complicated Monochorionic-Monoamniotic Twin Pregnancy Associated with COVID-19: A Case Report

Abstract Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has quickly emerged as a global pandemic leading to critical health complications. The possibility and risk of vertical transmission of this virus is still unclear, particularly as it relates to pregnant women and their fetuses. Regarding scientific data, there is insufficient research focused on COVID-19 infection complicated with hydrops fetalis and intrauterine [...] Read more.
Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has quickly emerged as a global pandemic leading to critical health complications. The possibility and risk of vertical transmission of this virus is still unclear, particularly as it relates to pregnant women and their fetuses. Regarding scientific data, there is insufficient research focused on COVID-19 infection complicated with hydrops fetalis and intrauterine fetal demise. In this study, we report an intra uterus fetal death due to hydrops fetalis and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic–monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancy associated with mild COVID-19 infection in a 33-week-pregnant woman.
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Case Report
Open Access June 28, 2022

A Case Report of Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in an Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract Background: Vascular thrombotic events such as pulmonary embolisms have been frequently reported in the course of SARS-Cov-2 infection. However, sagittal sinus thrombus is extremely rare, and patients may lack other appealing Covid-19 infection symptoms. Case report: 46-year-old female with past medical history of Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension presented to [...] Read more.
Background: Vascular thrombotic events such as pulmonary embolisms have been frequently reported in the course of SARS-Cov-2 infection. However, sagittal sinus thrombus is extremely rare, and patients may lack other appealing Covid-19 infection symptoms. Case report: 46-year-old female with past medical history of Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension presented to Emergency room with headache, chest pain, vomiting. SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies were reactive. Except for elevated PTT-Lupus Anticoagulant at 50 Sec, Hypercoagulable workup was negative. The MRI venogram findings were consistent with the Dural thrombus of superior sagittal sinus. Patient subsequently developed chest pain, and Computed tomography angiography found pulmonary emboli within segmental branches of the right lower lobe pulmonary artery. Patient was managed in the ICU with Heparin and switched to Coumadin for discharged. Conclusion: The incidence of Cerebral Venous Sinus thrombus (CVST) among Covid-19 patients is inferior to 0.02%. And most of the patients lack typical Covid-19 presentations such as pneumonia. The lack of symptoms may promote the insidious course of pre-thrombotic events that lead to CVST. However more Retrospective studies are necessary to established consistent odd ratios. Due to the higher mortality associated with CVST and the ongoing of Covid-19 pandemic, we recommend a higher level of clinical suspicion.
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Case Report
Open Access February 22, 2022

Melatonin could be used for Treatment of COVID-19?

Abstract Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a broad family of potentially serious RNA viruses that are now causing an outbreak of respiratory disease known as CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19). Melatonin is a pineal hormone that is predominantly produced and released at night from the amino acid tryptophan. Melatonin and its metabolites are also important in immunomodulation, and they have antioxidative properties due to [...] Read more.
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a broad family of potentially serious RNA viruses that are now causing an outbreak of respiratory disease known as CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19). Melatonin is a pineal hormone that is predominantly produced and released at night from the amino acid tryptophan. Melatonin and its metabolites are also important in immunomodulation, and they have antioxidative properties due to their capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species both directly and indirectly. COVID-19 leads to changes of altered consciousness levels in about 15% of hospitalized patients, starting from somnolence to disorientation, delirium, stupor, and coma. Melatonin can decrease the molecules that cause delirium in the elderly and central respiratory depression, such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Melatonin may help alleviate infection-induced acute respiratory distress as well as its diverse effects, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immune-enhancing properties. Its supplemental dose may be able to prevent SARS-COV-2 infections by reversing aerobic glycolysis via suppression of both HIF-1 and mTOR, allowing pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity to be suppressed and acetyl-coenzyme A to be produced. When mitochondrion-produced and parenteral melatonin are combined, the cytokine storm is reduced, and COVID-19 infection-induced damage is alleviated. In conclusion, melatonin could have an important role in the management of COVID-19.
Mini Review
Open Access November 22, 2021

COVID-19 and Legionella Co-Infection

Abstract Introduction: Concurrent infections or co-infections in patients diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) are not uncommon and predict a pejorative prognosis. A co-infection accounts for 1 out of every 5 cases of COVID-19 and increases the likelihood of adverse health outcomes such as mechanical ventilations, ICU admissions, and death. Specifically, Legionella spp. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Concurrent infections or co-infections in patients diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) are not uncommon and predict a pejorative prognosis. A co-infection accounts for 1 out of every 5 cases of COVID-19 and increases the likelihood of adverse health outcomes such as mechanical ventilations, ICU admissions, and death. Specifically, Legionella spp. co-infection presents additional challenges in COVID-19 patients because of its rarity, similar clinical presentation to SARS-CoV-2, and poorer outcomes without prompt treatment. Cases Presentation: Case 1. A 62-year-old female presented with a 3-day history of subjective fever and worsening shortness of breath. Room air saturation (saO2) was 70% and improved to 100% on noninvasive positive- pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Lung auscultation revealed rales BL. Chest X –Ray (CXR) showed patchy airspace opacities bilaterally (BL), SARS-CoV-2 PCR and urine legionella antigen tests were positive. The diagnosis of hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 and Legionella pneumonia was made. Patient was admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and managed with decadron, remdesivir, one unit of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 and Azithromycin for Legionella. Patient subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS protocol was initiated. 13 days after, the patient was compassionately extubated. Case 2. A 41-year-old male presented with 5-day history of fever, worsening shortness of breath, cough and diarrhea. Patient admitted history of ethanol abuse. SaO2 was 88% and improved on oxygen canula. Lung auscultation revealed rhonchi BL. CXR showed extensive left lung consolidation. Urine test for legionella antigen was positive. COVID-19 PCR was negative, but SARS-CoV-2 IgG was reactive. The diagnosis of Legionnaire disease was made. Despite initial treatment with Azithromycin, patient's hypoxia continued to worsen requiring NIPPV, and subsequently mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The adjunction of empiric treatment for COVID-19 with convalescent plasma, remdesivir and steroids improved both clinicals and laboratory findings. Discussion: The cases illustrated the practical challenges of managing COVID-19 and legionella co- infection. Legionella spp and SARS-CoV-2 overlapping incubation periods and similar clinical presentations and complications. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, legionella pneumonia has an intrinsic mortality rate of up to 80%. As some COVID-19 mitigation strategies, such as the closure of businesses, have enhanced the conditions for Legionella spp proliferation, the incidence of Co-infection with COVID-19 may increase. We recommend clinicians to have high-indexed suspicion of COVID-19 and Legionella co-infection in order to obtain complete work up at patient’s initial presentation.
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Case Report
Open Access August 15, 2021

Prevention is always better than Cure: Immunity Boosting to Fight Infections

Abstract Since the first outbreak of SARS-CoV2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 in Wuhan, China in the December 2019, the world continues to be in state of fear, uncertainty, tension and anxiety till date and this state might continue because of emerging mutants. The vaccination drive all over the world is continuing, still the new variants are cause of concern, with the aim to prevent the [...] Read more.
Since the first outbreak of SARS-CoV2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 in Wuhan, China in the December 2019, the world continues to be in state of fear, uncertainty, tension and anxiety till date and this state might continue because of emerging mutants. The vaccination drive all over the world is continuing, still the new variants are cause of concern, with the aim to prevent the spread of the virus, focus should be on techniques and processes which helps in strengthening our defense mechanism, the immune system. It has becoming clear from several studies that the immune system is greatly impacted by the COVID-19 infection through several inflammatory reactions. The role of balanced diet full of nutrients cannot be overlooked in controlling infectious diseases. A balanced diet which should include plant foods, vitamins and micronutrients and this review wants to emphasize on the preventive role played by the plant foods, vitamins and minerals in COVID-19 infections, to reduce the mortality rate as well as the morbidity in patients who are infected.
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Review Article

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Keyword:  COVID-19 infection

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