High body temperature raised resistance to pathogenic viral infections: Study

I

ncreased body temperature suppresses virus replication and excessive inflammatory responses, finds a study that showed the missing link between body temperature and infection resistance.

The study by researchers at The University of Tokyo in Japan showed that the high-body-temperature-dependent activation of gut microbiota boosts the serum and intestinal levels of bile acids. This suppresses virus replication and inflammatory responses that follow influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Clinical evidence suggests that elderly individuals are at a higher risk of contracting viral infections. Quite notably, the older people also have lower mean body temperatures. However, the effects of increased body temperature on fighting viral infections remain largely unexplored.

In the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the team bridged the gap by linking higher body temperature with an increased infection-fighting capability of the gut microorganisms or "microbiota".

The team used mice which were heat- or cold-exposed at 4 degrees Celsius, 22 degrees Celsius, or 36 degrees Celsius a week before influenza virus infection.

✔️ High body temperature raised resistance to pathogenic viral infections: Study

📝 Post your comments

💕 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!