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Disordered microbial communities in asthmatic airways

Markus Hilty1, Conor Burke, Helder Pedro

  • 1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, England.

Plos One
|January 7, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The adult and child asthma airways contain a distinct bacterial community. This airway microbiota is disturbed in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with increased Proteobacteria and decreased Bacteroidetes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infant microbial exposure is linked to asthma protection.
  • Respiratory infections can trigger asthma exacerbations.
  • The airway microbiota's role in respiratory diseases is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare airway microbiota composition across different levels of the bronchial tree.
  • To investigate differences in the airway microbiota of adults and children with asthma, COPD, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 16S rRNA bacterial sequences from bronchial lavage samples.
  • Sequencing of 5,054 bacterial 16S rRNA genes from 43 subjects.
  • Quantification of bacterial genomes per cm(2) of airway surface.

Main Results:

  • The bronchial tree harbors a significant bacterial presence (mean 2,000 genomes/cm(2)).
  • Proteobacteria (e.g., Haemophilus spp.) were elevated in asthmatic adults, COPD patients, and asthmatic children compared to controls.
  • Bacteroidetes (e.g., Prevotella spp.) were more abundant in control subjects than in patients with asthma or COPD.

Conclusions:

  • The bronchial tree possesses a characteristic microbiota.
  • Asthma is associated with a disturbed airway microbiota.
  • Alterations in airway microbiota may contribute to asthma pathogenesis.

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