Abstract
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, with a high risk of developing severe disease and a reduced immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to assess the effect of the consumption of the probiotic Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT 5711 on the immune response generated by the COVID-19 vaccine in an elderly population was performed. Two hundred nursing home residents >60 yrs that had not COVID-19 were randomized to receive L. coryniformis K8 or a placebo daily for 3 months. All volunteers received a complete vaccination schedule of a mRNA vaccine, starting the intervention ten days after the first dose. Specific IgG and IgA antibody levels were analyzed 56 days after the end of the immunization process. No differences between the groups were observed in the antibody levels. During the intervention, 19 subjects had COVID-19 (11 receiving K8 vs. 8 receiving placebo, p = 0.457). Subgroup analysis in these patients showed that levels of IgG were significantly higher in those receiving K8 compared to placebo (p = 0.038). Among subjects >85 yrs that did not get COVID-19, administration of K8 tended to increase the IgA levels (p = 0.082). The administration of K8 may enhance the specific immune response against COVID-19 and may improve the COVID-19 vaccine-specific responses in elderly populations.
Highlights
IntroductionWorld Health Organization in March 2020, millions of cases and deaths have occurred [1], causing enormous human and economic costs worldwide
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic by theWorld Health Organization in March 2020, millions of cases and deaths have occurred [1], causing enormous human and economic costs worldwide
The elderly population is vulnerable to COVID-19, as a high risk of severe disease and hospitalization has been observed in elderly adults, and higher death rates have been reported in this population [4,5,6]
Summary
World Health Organization in March 2020, millions of cases and deaths have occurred [1], causing enormous human and economic costs worldwide. In this context, the development of vaccines was imperative, and, by the end of 2020, the first vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) were approved by the National Competent Authorities, and the first vaccinations were performed [2,3]. This worrying fact, partly explained by the immunosenescence phenomenon [14], creates new questions about the necessity of finding specific solutions for enhancing the immune response of this vulnerable population due to SARS-CoV-2 mutations and the continuous spread of COVID-19 [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
