- It is thought that the increased use of certain antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides and quinalones caused imbalances in the gut microbiota and thus was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.   
- In rodent models, antibiotics resulted in the removal of certain gut bacteria and therefore led to increased susceptibility of influenza-related infections in the lungs.

Santa Clara University

A study of eight patients found that the lung microbial composition of COVID-19 patients is primarily made up of bacteria typically found in the oral and upper respiratory tract.  It is thought that the gut microbiota plays an important role in buttressing antiviral immunity and has been shown to reduce viral-related enteritis, severe pneumonia cases that require ventilator assistance, and can prevent the spread of influenza in lung epithelia cells.  No clinical data suggest that modulating the gut microbiota is an effective treatment for COVID-19, but it may be a relevant therapeutic target.  

Bi-directional Communication Network Between the Gut and Lung Microbiotas in COVID-19

Dhar, D., & Mohanty, A. (2020). Gut microbiota and Covid-19- possible link and implications. Virus research, 285, 198018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198018


Gut microbiota and Covid-19- possible link and implications.

The gut microbiota is thought to be  an important regulator of antiviral immune responses.  Studies have shown that modulating the gut microbiota has been able to reduce viral-related enteritis, severe pneumonia cases requiring ventilator assistance, and the spread of influenza in lung epithelial cells.  It is thought that probiotic treatment in COVID-19 patients could promote a healthy gut microecology, which could mitigate GI symptoms, as well as protect the respiratory system from other infections via the bi-directional communication network that is thought to exist between the gut and lung microbiotas.  

Using Probiotics to Treat or Prevent COVID-19

Prebiotics may help treat or prevent COVID-19 by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. For example, consuming butyrylated high-amylose maize starch increases IL-10, likely because prebiotics strengthen the gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and boost short-chain fatty acid production. Additionally, prebiotics like wheat bran elevate butyrate levels, which lowers inflammation and improves respiratory symptoms in conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.

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