AUTHOR=Hazan Sabine 

TITLE=RETRACTED: Microbiome-Based Hypothesis on Ivermectin’s Mechanism in COVID-19: Ivermectin Feeds Bifidobacteria to Boost Immunity

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.952321

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2022.952321

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic agent that has gained attention as a potential COVID-19 therapeutic. It is a compound of the type Avermectin, which is a fermented by-product of <italic>Streptomyces avermitilis</italic>. <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic> is a member of the same phylum as <italic>Streptomyces</italic> spp., suggesting it may have a symbiotic relation with <italic>Streptomyces</italic>. Decreased <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic> levels are observed in COVID-19 susceptibility states, including old age, autoimmune disorder, and obesity. We hypothesize that Ivermectin, as a by-product of <italic>Streptomyces</italic> fermentation, is capable of feeding <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic>, thereby possibly preventing against COVID-19 susceptibilities. Moreover, <italic>Bifidobacterium</italic> may be capable of boosting natural immunity, offering more direct COVID-19 protection. These data concord with our study, as well as others, that show Ivermectin protects against COVID-19.</p>