Esophageal microbiome in eosinophilic esophagitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The microbiome plays a role in allergic and inflammatory diseases.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) involves eosinophils in the esophageal lining.
• The esophageal microbiome in EoE and its response to treatment remain uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the esophageal microbiome in patients with EoE.
• To determine if treatments alter the esophageal microbiome in EoE.
• To investigate bacterial population differences in esophagitis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study using the Esophageal String Test (EST) to collect esophageal secretions.
• Quantitative PCR to assess bacterial load.
• 16S rRNA gene amplification and 454 pyrosequencing for bacterial community analysis.

Main Results:

• Examined samples from 70 children and adults with EoE, GERD, and normal mucosa.
• Increased bacterial load in both EoE and GERD compared to normal subjects.
• Haemophilus significantly increased in untreated EoE; Streptococcus decreased in GERD patients on proton pump inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• Esophageal diseases with eosinophilia exhibit distinct microbiomes compared to normal mucosa.
• Microbiota alterations may contribute to esophageal inflammation in EoE and GERD.