Most current treatments for Covid-19 and other respiratory viral infections consist of antibiotics to stop the spread of existing viruses (with a few exceptions, such as the influenza vaccine, which causes the flu). Most of them are also for oral or intravenous use and require a prescription.
A new study has found that two generic antibiotics, sold freely in pharmacies, can play an important role in preventing and treating respiratory infections in a different, simpler and cheaper way.
Read more:
Generic antibiotics in the treatment of respiratory infections
You may have already heard the name “neomycin”. It is an antibiotic indicated for the treatment of skin and mucous infections caused by bacteria. It is sold without a prescription in pharmacies (and is very cheap).
A new study from Yale University has found this drug to be more beneficial than previously thought: It can prevent or help treat respiratory viral infections in animals when administered through the nose.
And have you heard the name Neosporin? It is an antibiotic ointment with neomycin in its composition, used in first aid to prevent infections and minimize the appearance of scars (but it is not that cheap).
The same research also found that the ointment, when administered through the nose, can trigger a faster immune response in infected humans.
How the study was done
- The researchers found that mice treated intranasally with neomycin had a robust immune line of defense against Covid-19 and the highly infectious variant of the influenza virus, which causes the flu;
- In hamsters, the same treatment with neomycin reduced contact transmission of Covid-19, preventing the disease from spreading;
- With Neosporin ointment (which contains neomycin in its composition), intranasal application stimulated an antiviral immune response;
- According to the MedicalXpressin addition to testing on rodents, the research crossed the results with data from the intranasal approach in humans.
Advantages of using antibiotics
In addition to being effective in treating and preventing respiratory infections caused by viruses, antibiotics are relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of treatment. This can help prevent the spread of large waves of viruses in resource-limited populations. Furthermore, as the sale is free, access is facilitated.
Our findings suggest that we may be able to optimize this inexpensive, generic antibiotic to prevent viral diseases and their spread in human populations, especially in resource-limited global communities. This approach, because it is host-directed, should work independently of the virus.
Akiko Iwasaki, one of the study leaders
Tags: Covid19 flu prevented generic antibiotics
