A scoping review of longitudinal airway microbiota studies

The role of the microbiota in inflammatory airway diseases is unclear. Antimicrobial therapies have predominantly been guided by culture results. However, molecular sequencing has shown that the airway microbiota is much more complex and accurate modeling requires longitudinal analysis.

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses scoping review was performed by searching Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for all longitudinal airway microbiota studies that utilized molecular techniques. 38 studies with 1,993 participants were included in this review. Healthy microbial communities were more diverse, individualized and stable over time. Acute infections resulted in changes in the microbiota that were detected earlier and more sensitively by molecular sequencing than culture. Distinct microbiota profiles have been demonstrated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients associated with exacerbation frequency and severity.

Longitudinal studies provide essential data on the stability of the microbiota over time and valuable information about the dynamic interactions between host, disease and microbes. We believe that molecular sequencing will be increasingly incorporated into research and clinical practice in the future. These advances can lead to improved diagnosis, enhanced prescribing guidance and reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage.