Novel device to sample the esophageal microbiome--the esophageal string test

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Research

Background:

• The esophageal microbiome is increasingly linked to intestinal inflammation.
• Previous studies in adults show altered esophageal microbiota in esophagitis.
• Current methods rely on invasive esophageal biopsies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a minimally invasive capsule-based string technology, the Esophageal String Test (EST), for sampling the pediatric esophageal microbiome.
• To compare the microbiome composition obtained via EST with that from traditional esophageal biopsies.
• To assess the feasibility of EST for studying the esophageal microbiome in children with normal esophageal mucosa.

Main Methods:

• The Esophageal String Test (EST) was employed using the proximal segment of the Enterotest™ capsule.
• EST samples and mucosal biopsies were collected from 15 pediatric participants with normal esophageal mucosa.
• Microbiome composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Main Results:

• Microbiome profiles from EST samples and esophageal biopsies were nearly identical.
• Both EST and biopsy-derived microbiota differed significantly from nasal and oral cavity samples.
• The study demonstrated high concordance between the two sampling methods.

Conclusions:

• The minimally invasive Esophageal String Test (EST) is a viable and effective tool for characterizing the pediatric esophageal microbiome.
• EST provides comparable results to traditional mucosal biopsies, offering a less invasive alternative.
• This method can facilitate future research into the role of the esophageal microbiome in pediatric health and disease.