BACTERIAL LYSATES: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and Interactions

Generic Name: Bacterial lysates
Brand Names: Various around the world

What is Bacterial Lysates;

Bacterial lysates are a mixture of bacterial antigens derived from different bacterial species. They work by stimulating the body’s natural defenses and increasing its resistance to respiratory tract infections. This active protective effect has been demonstrated in studies showing stimulation of macrophage cells, increase in circulating T-lymphocytes in the blood, and increase in a-immunoglobulins secreted by the respiratory mucous membranes.

Some popular drug brand names containing bacterial lysates include Broncho-Vaxom, Imocur, Ismigen, Luivac, and Respivax. Bacterial lysates were first developed in the 1970s as a potential treatment for recurrent respiratory infections. In this article, we will analyze studies from journals such as the British Journal of Dermatology, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, and Transfusion that have investigated the effects and mechanisms of bacterial lysates.

Bacterial antigens from several bacterial species are combined to create bacterial lysates. They function by boosting the body’s defence mechanisms and enhancing its ability to fend off respiratory infections. Studies demonstrating an increase in circulating T-lymphocytes in the blood, activation of macrophage cells, and a rise in α-immunoglobulin released by the respiratory mucosa have all been used to illustrate this active protective activity.

 

Chemical Structure and Mechanism of Action

A variety of antigens originating from various bacterial species can be found in bacterial leftovers. These antigens, which are released during the solution of bacterial cells, contain proteins, lipopolysaccharides, and nucleic acids. These antigens interact with the mucous membrane immune system whether taken orally or through the nasal canal, inducing both innate and acquired immune responses. This results in the generation of IgA and IgG antibodies by B lymphocytes as well as the activation of natural killer cells, T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages (Gueniche et al., 2008; Naber et al., 2009). The immune system is strengthened, which aids in preventing illnesses in the future.

 

Uses

The primary purpose of bacterial residues is to stop recurrent respiratory infections, including the flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, common colds, and otitis media. Typically, they are given as a nasal drain or taken orally for a few weeks or months prior to and during times of increased risk, such the winter. Additionally, several studies have looked at its usage in treating atopic dermatitis (Gueniche et al., 2008) and preventing recurrent urinary infections (Naber et al., 2009). However, additional research is required to prove efficacy in these areas. Although bacterial sewage is usually thought to be harmless, some persons may have modest side effects such headaches, skin rashes, and stomach problems. It’s crucial to speak with a physician before beginning any immunostimulating treatment.

 

Bacterial Lysates Side Effects

Bacterial Lysates Common Side Effects

Most individuals can tolerate bacterial sewage rather well, while others may have slight adverse effects. Gastrointestinal issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort are among the most frequent adverse effects. Usually, these symptoms are momentary and disappear on their own. Headaches, lightheadedness, and skin responses, including redness or itching, are other frequent adverse effects. 5.6% of patients receiving bacterial treatments had moderate gastrointestinal issues in a research by Gueniche et al. (2008), compared to 2.8% in the placebo group.

 

Bacterial Lysates Rare but Possible Side Effects

The use of bacterial solutions might cause less common adverse effects such as lymphadenopathy, myalgia, arthralgia, and fever. These responses can be the result of an overreaction of the immune system to bacterial antigens. Rarely, allergic responses can happen and cause urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. Individuals who are known to be hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in the bacterial solutions have to stay away from them.

 

Bacterial Lysates Serious Side Effects

Although they are exceedingly rare, severe allergic responses, systemic symptoms like a high temperature or chronic pain, and rash-like polymer erythema can all be serious adverse effects from bacterial sewage. If these severe adverse effects occur, people should stop using bacterial solutions right once and get medical attention. More research is required to evaluate the possible dangers of using bacterial discharges over an extended period of time, as the long-term safety of these treatments has not yet been thoroughly established.

 

Warnings

Individuals who have a history of recognised hypersensitivity to any of the components of bacterial resins should not use them. Additionally, people with autoimmune illnesses should use them cautiously since they may make their problems worse by activating the immune system. Before taking bacterial discharges, women who are pregnant or nursing should speak with their doctor because not enough research has been done in these groups to confirm its safety.

Moreover, flu shots and other preventative measures should not be substituted for bacterial sewage. They could strengthen the immune system as a whole, but they don’t offer the same targeted defence against certain infections as vaccinations. As a result, they ought to be utilised in addition to, not in substitute of, well-established preventative measures (Naber et al., 2009).

 

Precautions

In some patient populations, bacterial discharges should be handled cautiously. Before beginning therapy, those with autoimmune illnesses or active immunological diseases should speak with their physician since boosting the immune system may make their symptoms worse. Similarly, because of their weakened immune systems, people receiving chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressive medications could not react to bacterial discharges appropriately.

Furthermore, bacterial solvents should not be used by anybody who has a known allergy to any of its ingredients, including casein, manditol, or sodium citrate. Women in these circumstances should only employ bacterial solvents if the possible advantages exceed the dangers, as the safety of these treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well studied (Burnouf et al., 2013).

 

Contraindications

People who have a history of severe allergic responses to any of the components of bacterial resins should avoid using them as there is a possibility of serious reactions. Furthermore, because they may overstimulate the immune system in patients with acute infections or high fevers, they should not be administered to these individuals.

It is typically not recommended to use bacterial solutions in patients suffering from autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus since this might exacerbate the underlying inflammatory process. Likewise, bacterial leftovers should be avoided by those who have a history of autoimmune inflammatory bowel illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, since they may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. (2008) Gueniche et al.

 

Interactions

Although the relationship with bacterial solvents and other medications has not been well investigated, there are a few potential interactions to take into account. Antibodies that decrease the natural immune response, including azathioprine, corticosteroids, and cyclosporine, might lessen the efficacy of bacterial treatments. However, using bacterial solutions and immunostimulating drugs like interleukin-2 or interferons at the same time may result in overstimulating the immune system and a higher chance of negative effects.

Furthermore, vaccinations like the varicella or MMR that include live, weakened microorganisms may interact with bacterial debris. When these vaccinations are administered together with bacterial solutions at the same time, the efficiency of the immunisation may be compromised. Thus, it is usually advised against using bacterial solvents either two weeks before to or following immunisation with live, weakened vaccines (Naber et al., 2009).

 

Overdose

There is a broad safety range for bacterial leftovers, and overdose incidents are uncommon. Serious adverse events were not seen in clinical studies at dosages many times higher than the authorised therapeutic level. However, due to digestive system irritation, consuming excessive amounts of bacterial solvents may result in gastrointestinal illnesses as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Supportive measures, such as monitoring vital signs and addressing any arising symptoms, are indicated in cases of purposeful or inadvertent overdose. Gastritis and vomiting induction are typically not recommended since bacterial sewage is not absorbed in a systematic manner and is not expected to be extremely harmful. In the event that an allergic response manifests as rash, urticaria, or dyspnea, prompt medical intervention is necessary. Although there haven’t been any fatalities due to bacterial solvent overdoses to yet, it’s nevertheless advised to closely follow the prescribed dosage schedule in order to reduce the possibility of negative responses. (2013) Burnouf et al.

 

In brief

Bacterial antigens from several bacterial species are combined to create bacterial lysates. These fluids boost the body’s defensive mechanisms and strengthen its ability to fend off respiratory infections. In order to avoid recurrent infections such as the common cold, flu, sinusitis, otitis, and bronchitis, they are often given orally or as a nasal drain. Although bacterial sewage is usually regarded as harmless, some people may have modest adverse effects such headaches, skin rashes, and stomach problems. Allergy, myalgia, and fever are less common side effects. Patients with autoimmune diseases or compromised immune systems should utilise bacterial solvents cautiously, and they should not be used in those who have a history of recognised hypersensitivity to any of their constituents. Immunosuppressive medications and vaccinations containing live, weakened microorganisms may interact with them. While serious toxicity from an overdose is improbable, following the prescribed dosage schedule is nevertheless advised. Doctor supervision is always necessary while using bacterial solvents, and the specific advantages and hazards should be considered.

 

ATTENTION: It is of vital importance to never take any medication without the supervision and guidance of a specialised doctor. Consult the package insert of each prescribed medicinal product, as each pharmaceutical company accurately describes the specific specifications for the product, which may undergo regular updates. Note that the trade names mentioned in this article correspond to well-known medicinal products that contain the active substances under analysis. However, there may be variations depending on the composition of each drug. This article focuses on the active substance analysis rather than the drug’s trade name. The reference to trade names is made exclusively for the convenience of readers, who should carefully study the instruction leaflet for each commercial preparation they use. It is necessary to have close cooperation with your attending physician and your pharmacist. The self-administration of any medication carries serious health risks and should be strictly avoided.

Bibliography

• Gueniche, A., Knaudt, B., Schuck, E., Volz, T., Bastien, P., Martin, R., Röcken, M., Breton, L., & Biedermann, T. (2008). Effects of nonpathogenic gram-negative bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis lysate on atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(6), 1357-1363. academic.oup
• Naber, K. G., Cho, Y. H., Matsumoto, T., & Schaeffer, A. J. (2009). Immunoactive prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections: a meta-analysis. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 33(2), 111-119. sciencedirect
• Burnouf, T., Chou, M. L., Wu, Y. W., Su, C. Y., & Lee, L. W. (2013). Antimicrobial activity of platelet (PLT)-poor plasma, PLT-rich plasma, PLT gel, and solvent/detergent-treated PLT lysate biomaterials against wound bacteria. Transfusion, 53(1), 138-146. onlinelibrary.wiley

 

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