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Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

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The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
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The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
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The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
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Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
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The pediatric microbiome and the lung.

Michael Tracy1, Jonathan Cogen, Lucas R Hoffman

  • 1aDepartment of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California bDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Washington cSeattle Children's Hospital dDepartment of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA *Michael Tracy and Jonathan Cogen contributed equally to the writing of this article.

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Recent research reveals that even healthy children possess airway microbiomes, challenging the notion of sterile lungs. These findings highlight the importance of the respiratory and gastrointestinal microbiomes in lung health and disease.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Traditional methods assumed healthy lungs are sterile, focusing on 'traditional pathogens'.
  • Culture-independent techniques reveal diverse respiratory microbiomes in healthy individuals and those with lung diseases.
  • Emerging evidence links gut microbiomes to airway inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advancements in respiratory microbiome research.
  • To highlight findings from studies including children and adults with various respiratory conditions.
  • To discuss the implications of these findings for understanding lung health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies employing advanced culture-independent microbiological techniques.
  • Analysis of research focusing on respiratory specimens from diverse populations, including healthy children.
  • Examination of studies comparing respiratory and gastrointestinal microbiomes in health and disease.

Main Results:

  • Healthy children have demonstrable airway microbiomes.
  • Significant differences exist between respiratory and gastrointestinal microbiomes in healthy individuals versus those with airway diseases.
  • Sophisticated technologies have advanced the understanding of respiratory microbiome complexity.

Conclusions:

  • Culture-independent techniques have revolutionized the understanding of microbe-airway disease interactions.
  • Further research is needed to establish causal links and develop targeted therapies.
  • Translating microbiome research into clinical practice is a key future direction.