Immunostimulation using bacterial antigens – mechanism ofaction and clinical practice inviral respiratory tract infections
Recurrent respiratory tract infections constitute a significant problem in the practice of a general practitioner and paediatrician. Antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains, which has been growing for years, prompts the search for alternative ways of combating pathogens. One of them is the usag...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Medical Communications Sp. z o.o.
2015-12-01
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| Series: | Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.pimr.pl/index.php/issues/2015-vol-11-no-4/immunostimulation-using-bacterial-antigens-mechanism-of-action-and-clinical-practice-in-viral-respiratory-tract-infections?aid=897 |
| Summary: | Recurrent respiratory tract infections constitute a significant problem in the practice of a general practitioner and
paediatrician. Antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains, which has been growing for years, prompts the search for alternative
ways of combating pathogens. One of them is the usage of preparations based on cell lysis of various bacterial strains.
Bacterial lysates have been available in Europe for many years. In preclinical trials, they are characterised by the capability
of reducing infections caused by bacteria and viruses that are not the components of the preparations. A range of clinical
trials have demonstrated their usefulness in reducing the frequency of seasonal respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use. Moreover, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease gain an additional advantage in the form of the reduction
of the risk of hospitalization due to disease exacerbations and a positive influence on the survival curve. The action of bacterial
lysates is based on oral immunostimulation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which results in increased antibody production.
Moreover, they activate a range of mucosal mechanisms of non-specific immunity, mainly by enhancing the activity of TLR-dependent mechanisms. The efficacy of this group of drugs has been confirmed in a range of clinical trials, systematic
reviews and meta-analyses. Recent studies also indicate their immunoregulatory potential, suggesting that they might be
used in the future in preventing allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. To conclude, physicians (paediatricians,
laryngologists, pulmonologists) should consider reducing the use of antibiotics in their daily practice. Instead, they should
offer preparations that promote the immune system, thus controlling infections in a better way. |
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| ISSN: | 1734-1531 2451-0742 |