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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

A longitudinal analysis on the association between antibiotic use, intestinal microflora, and wheezing during the

Stijn L Verhulst1, Carl Vael, Caroline Beunckens

  • 1University of Antwerp, Department of Pediatrics, Wilrijk, Belgium. stijn.verhulst@ua.ac.be

The Journal of Asthma : Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma
|October 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infant gut bacteria composition at three weeks is linked to early wheezing. Certain anaerobic bacteria may increase wheezing risk, while Clostridium shows a protective effect.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Pediatric respiratory health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Early life microbial exposures are increasingly recognized as critical for immune system development.
  • Wheezing in infancy is a common respiratory symptom with potential links to later asthma development.
  • Understanding the early-life gut microbiome's role in respiratory health is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the infant gut microbiome at three weeks of age and the incidence of wheezing in the first year of life.
  • To identify specific bacterial groups within the intestinal flora that correlate with wheezing episodes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective birth cohort study involving 154 infants meeting specific inclusion criteria.
  • Collection of fecal samples at three weeks of age for intestinal flora analysis.
  • Assessment of respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, at three weeks, six months, and twelve months of age through questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • Wheezing prevalence increased over the first year, reaching 23.5% by 12 months.
  • Higher concentrations of anaerobic bacteria were associated with increased odds of wheezing.
  • Increasing concentrations of Clostridium were found to be protective against wheezing, while other anaerobic bacteria may increase risk.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between antibiotic use, anaerobic bacteria, and infant wheezing.
  • The protective effect of Clostridium suggests a complex interplay between specific gut bacteria and respiratory outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the role of specific anaerobic bacteria in mediating wheezing risk.
Abstract

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