The article "Interplay between viral infections and gut microbiota dysbiosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential" published by Baishideng Publishing Group, explores a scientifically recognized and crucial area of research concerning human health. Major claims within the article, specifically the bidirectional relationship between viral infections and the gut microbiome, are well-supported by extensive scientific literature. Viral infections are increasingly acknowledged for their profound impact on the gut microbiota, often leading to dysbiosis—an imbalance in microbial communities. This dysbiosis can, in turn, influence disease progression, immune responses, and clinical outcomes. For example, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza infections have been shown to disrupt gut bacterial composition. Conversely, the gut microbiota plays a vital role in modulating host susceptibility to viral infections, shaping disease severity, and influencing long-term outcomes through its impact on immune regulation and systemic inflammation. The review also highlights the therapeutic potential of microbiota-targeted interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), as promising strategies to restore microbial balance and mitigate the severity of viral infectious diseases. While the scientific content of the article is consistent with current understanding in gastroenterology, immunology, and infectious diseases, the publisher, Baishideng Publishing Group, has faced scrutiny. Although BPG states it publishes peer-reviewed, open-access journals and adheres to ethical guidelines, it has previously appeared on lists of potential predatory publishers. However, the specific claims about the interplay between viruses and the gut microbiome are corroborated by numerous highly credible sources, including articles published in journals affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (PMC) and other reputable scientific publishers.