Topical application of aminoglycoside antibiotics enhances host resistance to viral infections in a microbiota-independent manner (http://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-018-0138-2)
QuoteAntibiotics are widely used to treat infections in humans. However, the impact of antibiotic use on host cells is understudied. Here we identify an antiviral effect of commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotics. We show that topical mucosal application of aminoglycosides prophylactically increased host resistance to a broad range of viral infections including herpes simplex viruses, influenza A virus and Zika virus. Aminoglycoside treatment also reduced viral replication in primary human cells. This antiviral activity was independent of the microbiota, because aminoglycoside treatment protected germ-free mice. Microarray analysis uncovered a marked upregulation of transcripts for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) following aminoglycoside application. ISG induction was mediated by Toll-like receptor 3, and required Toll/interleukin-1-receptor-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β signalling adaptor, and Interferon regulatory factors 3 and 7, transcription factors that promote ISG expression. XCR1+ dendritic cells, which uniquely express Toll-like receptor 3, were recruited to the vaginal mucosa upon aminoglycoside treatment and were required for ISG induction. These results highlight an unexpected ability of aminoglycoside antibiotics to confer broad antiviral resistance in vivo.
From what I understand the antibiotic 'pumps up' the immune system in such a way that the virus enters a hostile environment and never gets to establish itself.
Antibiotics do work on viruses (https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/antibiotics-do-work-on-viruses)
If this works in humans it is going to be a but of a breakthrough! Even remembering the problems with antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Though the move is not to overuse antibiotics in livestock perhaps they will find new methods to treat foot and mouth etc as well as the flus that can cross over.