O.V. KALYUZHIN 

First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, 8-2 Trubetskaya St., Moscow, Russian Federation, 119991

Kalyuzhin O.V. — DM, Professor of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, tel. +7-916-604-58-50, e-mail: kalyuzhin@list.ru

Immunostimulants are being actively implemented in tactical schemes of treatment and prevention of respiratory infections. The article briefly presents the history of development of immunostimulants based on lysates of respiratory pathogens and their introduction into clinical practice. The mechanisms of action and differences between bacterial lysates with topical and systemic pharmacological effects have been discussed. Special attention has been paid to distinctive features and pharmacological effects of topical bacterial lysates — IRS 19 and Imudon, as well as to clinical situations, in which their use is preferable. The feasibility of early administration of these drugs in acute infections of the respiratory tract or oral cavity and pharynx has been substantiated. Finally, the review disproves the opinion about inappropriate use of bacterial lysates in the acute phase of bacterial respiratory infections, as well as in chronic mucosal colonization by pathogenic bacteria.

Key words: topical bacterial lysates, mucosal immunity, respiratory infections, immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy.