The Role of Bacterial Lysates in Improving Physical Performance in Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background. Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) represent a major clinical burden and are a

common cause of antibiotic use and healthcare utilization. In patients with chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD) respiratory infections are a leading trigger of acute exacerbations,

contributing to disease progression and increased morbidity. Bacterial lysates (BLs) have

emerged as immunomodulatory agents aimed at enhancing host immune responses and

reducing infection recurrence. The aim of this article is to expand knowledge about the

beneficial impact of BLs in the prevention of RTIs and in the management of COPD.

Aim. This  review  aimed  to  analyze  current  evidence  on  the  effects  of  bacterial lysates

on RTIs and COPD.

Material and methods. The narrative review of the literature was conducted using databases

including PubMed, Google Scholar and MEDLINE. The search was limited to articles

published in English from 2020 onwards. Studies were selected based on clinical relevance

and applicability to adult patients with RTIs and COPD. This article focuses on recent clinical

studies, reviews, meta-analyses and guidelines (GOLD, ERS).

Results. Existing clinical evidence and guideline recommendations suggest that BLs may

serve as a valuable adjunct to standard preventive and therapeutic strategies in RTIs and

COPD. They may reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections. In patients

with COPD, bacterial lysates may help decrease the rate of COPD exacerbations and improve

disease control.

Conclusions. BLs represent a promising immunomodulatory strategy in the prevention and

management of RTIs and COPD. Although current data are encouraging, heterogeneity

among studies highlights the need for further large-scale, well-designed randomized

controlled trials.