Bacterial Extracts as Immunomodulators for the Prevention of Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Children

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) are the more frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in children. This review was conducted to assess the existing evidence concerning bacterial extracts efficacy in the prevention of pediatric ARTI. The data sources for the identification of clinical trials and reviews included principal bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Selected clinical trials only involved children suffering from recurrent ARTI. Bacterial extracts may reduce the incidence of ARTI of about 40% in toddlers (2-5 years), school boys (6-12 years) and children at higher ARTI risk (e.g. children living in orphanages). Among others, the active treatment with OM-85 led to 26, 2% fewer patients with recurrent ARTI. Data from the literature are encouraging, particularly for treatment with OM-85. The strengthening of pre-clinical and clinical research is necessary to allow routine recommendation of bacterial extracts prescription for ARTI prevention in children.