Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lysozyme is an enzyme with well-established antimicrobial properties, found in various body fluids such as tears, saliva, and mucus. Its mechanism involves hydrolyzing the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, especially in Gram-positive bacteria, leading to bacterial lysis. In the context of pneumonia, particularly bacterial pneumonia, lysozyme has been explored as a supportive therapy due to its potential to enhance the body's innate immune defense.

Scientific studies, primarily from Japan and several Eastern European countries, have evaluated the use of oral or inhaled lysozyme as an adjunctive treatment for respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Some clinical trials and observational studies suggest that lysozyme may help reduce inflammation, enhance mucosal immunity, and possibly shorten the duration of symptoms when used alongside antibiotics. However, these studies are often small, not double-blinded, or have methodological limitations.

Systematic reviews and guidelines in Western medicine do not recommend lysozyme as a standard therapy for pneumonia, citing insufficient high-quality evidence. Most of the available data point to a modest benefit at best, and lysozyme is not widely used in clinical practice outside specific regions or traditional settings. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and limited supportive data, the strength of evidence is low, justifying a rating of 2/5.

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