Letter to Editor 
Creative Commons, CC-BY
Phage Therapy to Prevent Nosocomial Bacterial Pneumonia in Patients with Severe COVID-19 in 2020
*Corresponding author: Mohammad Sadegh Rezai, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Received: October 30, 2020; Published: November 06, 2020
DOI: 10.34297/AJBSR.2020.10.001563
Abstract
The COVID-19 was reported to be a pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Secondary bacterial pneumonia exacerbates respiratory problems and increases mortality in patients with COVID-19. Recently, 50% of the causes of death in these patients have been reported as nosocomial pneumonia in these cases. These bacteria have become multidrug-resistant. Phage production is a cost-benefit. Inhalation of phage cocktail with mesh nebulizer can be suitable to prevent secondary bacterial pulmonary infection in patients with severe COVID-19. To prevent secondary bacterial pneumonia and reduce mortality in patients with severe type COVID-19 and patients who are under a ventilator for a long time, the use of phage cocktail product by inhalation with mesh nebulizer device is recommended
Keywords: Pneumonia; COVID-19; Prevention; Phage therapy
Dear Editor
The COVID-19 was reported to be a pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The SARS-COV2 is transmitted to humans through the respiratory system. The virus stimulates the immune system to secrete inflammatory substances and cytokine storm. This event can induce multi-organ damage. Secondary bacterial pneumonia exacerbates respiratory problems and increases mortality in patients with COVID-19. Recently, 50% of the causes of death in these patients have been reported as nosocomial pneumonia in these cases. The most common etiology of secondary bacterial pneumonia is Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii. These bacteria have become multidrug-resistant due to improper rational usage of antibiotics, genetic mutation, and enzyme production. Phage therapy can be used to reduce the rate of these infections [1].
Phage production is a cost-benefit. Bacteriophages have recently been reported as an appropriate prevention and treatment option at the In-vitro, In-vivo, and several clinical trials. For optimal use of bacteriophages for these cases, the use of a phage cocktail that includes different phages is recommended. Phage cocktail not only increases the host range of phages but also reduces the likelihood of phage resistance [2].
Inhalation of phage cocktail with mesh nebulizer can be suitable to prevent secondary bacterial pulmonary infection in patients with severe COVID-19 and patients who are under a ventilator for a long time. The mesh nebulizer device produces the least changes in the structure of bacteriophages by producing aerosols with dimensions of less than 4 micrometers. It also minimizes decrease bacteriophage titers and active phages [3].
An inhaled phage cocktail with mesh nebulizer device can prevent secondary pulmonary bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19. To prevent secondary bacterial pneumonia and reduce mortality in patients with severe type COVID-19 and patients who are under a ventilator for a long time, the use of phage cocktail product by inhalation with mesh nebulizer device is recommended.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this communication.
Funding information
The authors received no specific grant from any funding agency.
Ethics approval
Not applicable.
Consent to participate
Not applicable.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Acknowledgments
None.
Conflicts of Interest
No Conflict of interest.
References
- Rahimzadeh G, Ekrami Noghabi M, Kadkhodaei Elyaderani F, Navaeifar M R, Enayati A A, et al. (2020) COVID-19 Infection in Iranian Children: A Case Series of 9 Patients. J Pediatr Rev 8(2): 139-144.
- Rahimzadeh G, Saeedi M, Farshidi F, Rezai MS (2018) Phage Therapy in Treatment of Gram-negative Bacterial Infections: A Systematic Review. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences 28(165): 203-212.
- Ariel A, Sharon Shui Yee L, Elizabeth K, Sandra M, Hak Kim Ch (2018) Nebulization effects on structural stability of bacteriophage PEV 44. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 125: 124-130.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.