Probiotics in the times of COVID-19

Abstract

The time of COVID-19 pandemic focused the attention of scientist to recognise the complex medical symptoms of the disease, modes of infection and possible therapies. The organisms’ response towards SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on many individual factors and the course of disease is described as unprecedented and complex. Numerous symptoms from the respiratory system, abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, stroke, liver damage and coagulopathy, among others, are accompanied by negative side effects of the pandemic lifestyle, including immunity depletion, overall fitness impairment, skin condition worsening, psychological and psychiatric consequences. There is an urgent need to seek all possible routes for assuring favouring conditions to build and support the organisms’ microbiological barriers and enhance immunity, which will also help during the ongoing vaccination action. Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and environmental Bacillus species are microorganisms typically found in food products or dietary supplements, but also applied on body surfaces or technological surfaces at home and in the industry. Since the contemporary definition of probiotics points to positive health effects, it is of highest importance to follow strict regulations and standards of product manufacturing, especially in the times of biohazard risks and rising public distrust of therapies. There is an urgent need to seek all possible routes for assuring the favouring conditions to build and support the organisms' microbiological barriers and enhance the immunity, that will serve also during the ongoing vaccination action. Probiotic LAB and environmental Bacillus species are microorganisms typically found in food products or dietary supplements, but also applied on body surface or technological surfaces in household and industry. Since the contemporary definition of probiotics points out the positive health effects, it is of highest importance to follow strict regulations and standards of product manufacturing, especially in the times of biohazard and rising public distrust of therapies.