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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Respiratory and Neurological Disease across Different Ethnic Groups Is Influenced by the Microbiome
Odiase Peace1, Kartik Rachakonda2, Miller Kress3
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
Abstract:
Acute and chronic upper respiratory illnesses such as asthma, and allergic rhinitis (AR) have been linked to the presence of microorganisms in the nose. Microorganisms can exist in symbiotic or commensal relationships with the human body. However, in certain cases, opportunistic pathogens can take over, leading to altered states (dysbiosis) and causing disease. Thus, the microflora present in a host can be useful to reflect health status. The human body contains 10 trillion to 100 trillion microorganisms. Of these populations, certain pathogens have been identified to promote or undermine wellbeing. Therefore, knowledge of the microbiome is potentially helpful as a diagnostic tool for many diseases. Variations have been recognized in the types of microbes that inhabit various populations based on geography, diet, and lifestyle choices and various microbiota have been shown to modulate immune responses in allergic disease. Interestingly, the diseases affected by these changes are prevalent in certain racial or ethnic populations. These prevalent microbiome variations in these groups suggest that the presence of these microorganisms may be significantly associated with health disparities. We review current research in the search for correlations between ethnic diversity, microbiome communities in the nasal cavity and health outcomes in neurological and respiratory functions.
Insights
Nasal microbiome variations are linked to respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). These microbial differences may contribute to health disparities across diverse ethnic populations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The nasal microbiome plays a role in respiratory health, with symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms influencing host well-being.
- Dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial communities, is associated with diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR).
- The human body hosts trillions of microorganisms, and their composition can indicate health status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the correlation between ethnic diversity and nasal microbiome composition.
- To investigate the association between nasal microbiota and health outcomes in neurological and respiratory functions.
- To understand how microbiome variations may contribute to health disparities.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on nasal microbiome composition.
- Analysis of studies examining links between ethnicity, microbial communities, and health.
- Exploration of data on immune response modulation by microbiota in allergic diseases.
Main Results:
- Microbial communities in the nasal cavity vary significantly across different populations.
- These variations are influenced by factors such as geography, diet, and lifestyle.
- Specific microbiota compositions are associated with altered immune responses and disease prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Nasal microbiome composition is a potential diagnostic indicator for various diseases.
- Microbiome variations linked to ethnicity may underlie observed health disparities.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between ethnic diversity, nasal microbiota, and health outcomes.
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