Anti-Viral Activities of Probiotics against Viral Gastroenteritis: A Review

Abstract

Globally, acute gastroenteritis is responsible for two million pediatric deaths. In particular, viral gastroenteritis is the most common cause of acute diarrhea, and most children aged <5 years are infected at least once. The common symptoms include profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Viral gastroenteritis is generally caused by rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus. Recently, probiotics use has increased rapidly worldwide due to its inhibitory effect against viral gastroenteritis. In addition, probiotics are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and enhance immunity without any side effects. Therefore, this review focuses on the anti-viral effects of probiotics on viral gastroenteritis. Furthermore, this review would provide basic data that could be used for developing new products that have improved functionality by addition of probiotics to milk and dairy food.