Dead Bacteria Provide Protection Against Flu?

Researchers funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other US medical research organizations have made the surprising discover that heat-killed Lactobacillus casei, a bacterium found in fermented food products, can serve as an anti-viral probiotic, reducing the severity of a strain of Influenza A in mice. Though the mechanism of action is currently unclear, researchers observed that mice treated with a heat-killed Lactobacillus casei sample, later responded to a lethal Influenza A infection with lower viral loads, less weight loss, earlier antibody detection, and better survival rates.

            Though it is important to remain cautious, it is possible that this approach could be used to treat influenza in humans. Ultimately this research could lead to the development of anti-viral probiotics, which help reduce the severity of various infections and their aftereffects.  For now, one extra helping of yogurt when you’re battling a cold can’t hurt!
         -Cole Holderman

            Sources:

1.       Article in Scientific Reports: Heat-killed Lactobacillus casei confers broad protection against influenza A virus primary infection and develops heterosubtypic immunity against future secondary infection: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-17487-8

2.       Science News Article: Lactic acid bacteria can protect against influenza a virus: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171213130328.htm