The microbiota is closely linked to our immune system (illustration). – M.Libert / Archives 20 Minutes
A few days ago, researchers from the Institut Pasteur de Lille (Lille Center for Infection and Immunity) and INRAe published the results of work demonstrating the link between the disturbances of the intestinal microbiota induced by
influenza and bacterial infections. This discovery could have major repercussions in the prevention of pathologies associated with other acute viral infections, such as infection with
the coronavirus.
The intestinal microbiota, also called intestinal flora, is made up of a large number of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, present in our gastrointestinal system. “The intestinal microbiota is involved in many things, in particular in the education of the immune system and in the defense mechanisms against infections,” explains Dr. François Trottein, director of research at the CNRS.
How the flu promotes secondary bacterial infections
In this study, scientists looked at the flu and secondary bacterial infections, which are responsible for most of the deaths among elderly or vulnerable people infected with the virus. “We have tried to understand how the flu favors these secondary bacterial infections”, continues the researcher.
Scientists therefore focused their research around the famous microbiota. Studies in mice have shown that the virus temporarily changes the composition and metabolic activity of the microbiota. “Reducing food intake during illness also reduces the production of short-chain fatty acids by the microbiota. Able, naturally and at a distance, to strengthen our immune defenses in the lung. This drop in short-chain fatty acids during viral infection favors secondary bacterial infections “, continues François Trottein.
Basically, when you get the flu, you eat less, so your gut microbiota changes and produces less short-chain fatty acids, which weakens your lung defenses. The bacterial infection sets in, which worsens the patient’s health.
This discovery will not prevent you from getting the flu. Nonetheless, it does offer ways to better arm patients infected with the virus. “We could protect the microbiota by ingesting more fiber, for example, which is responsible for the production of short-chain fatty acids,” said the researcher.
What has been observed around the victims of the coronavirus is that these people had essentially died of viral pneumonia or dysfunction of certain organs. According to the scientist, “Covid-19 patients could also develop secondary bacterial infections. Studying the intestinal microbiota as part of the coronavirus will be an interesting avenue of research. Studies are underway, ”concludes the researcher. So while waiting for treatment or a vaccine, eat fiber and take care of your gut microbiota.
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