The microbiota in eosinophilic esophagitis: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly prevalent atopic esophageal disease.
• The etiology of EoE remains largely unknown, with limited research on its esophageal microbiota.
• The microbiome is implicated in other allergic and inflammatory conditions like asthma and eczema.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate differences in esophageal microbiota profiles between EoE patients and controls.
• To synthesize current knowledge on the relationship between esophageal microbiota and EoE.
• To identify potential microbial signatures associated with EoE.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL).
• Screening of articles by three reviewers for eligibility and quality assessment.
• Narrative synthesis of findings from seven selected studies.

Main Results:

• Esophageal and oral microbiota are correlated.
• Active EoE patients exhibit increased esophageal microbial load.
• Specific bacterial species like Haemophilus and Aggregatibacter are more abundant in EoE, while Firmicutes are decreased.

Conclusions:

• Patients with active EoE show distinct esophageal microbiota profiles, including higher microbial load and specific bacterial abundances.
• While certain microbial signatures are associated with EoE, their direct influence on disease inflammation requires further investigation.
• Understanding these microbial signatures may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for EoE.