Belgian scientists have just discovered a type of bacteria that naturally exists in the nasal and throat area that may help the body fight against prolonged post-COVID-19 syndrome and also contribute to reducing the risk of severe flu-like symptoms.
The research findings open up prospects for developing new preventive measures, including nasal sprays containing probiotics.
The research was conducted by a team of experts from UCLouvain University in collaboration with Saint-Luc University Hospital, against the backdrop of post-COVID-19 syndrome still significantly impacting public health.
In Belgium, an estimated 4% of the population, or 400,000 people, are still experiencing lingering symptoms after contracting the disease.
The project was carried out over a period of five years, starting in 2021, with the participation of many experts in the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases, including Dr. Leïla Belkhir, Professor Laure Elens, and scientist Patrice Cani. The research results were published in the scientific journal Microbiology Spectrum.
Scientists tracked multiple groups of subjects, including healthy individuals, influenza patients, and patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.
Samples were collected at the time of diagnosis and after 3 months, then analyzed using gene sequencing to determine the composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiota, while ruling out influencing factors such as age, sex, disease severity, and antibiotic use.
The results showed that the presence of the bacterium Dolosigranulum pigrum was strongly associated with the body's ability to recover from viral infections. This is a beneficial bacterium that naturally exists in the respiratory microbiome.
Researchers say that when this bacterium is present in sufficient quantities and combined with other beneficial bacteria, the body tends to reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms after COVID-19, as well as limit the severity of influenza. Conversely, a decline in this bacterium, possibly due to severe infection or antibiotic overuse, makes the body more susceptible to prolonged illness.
Based on this finding, scientists are aiming to develop probiotic nasal sprays to strengthen the respiratory system's natural defenses. This potential product could be used before peak respiratory disease seasons to reduce the risk of illness and complications.
Furthermore, the study also highlights the negative impact of inappropriate antibiotic use, which can deplete beneficial microorganisms and impair the body's self-defense capabilities. This is considered additional scientific basis for strengthening the management and cautious use of antibiotics in treatment.
Experts believe this new discovery contributes to a clearer understanding of the role of the respiratory microbiome in preventing and recovering from infectious diseases, and opens up new approaches in public health care.