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The Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Respiratory Tract Infections in Childhood: A Narrative Review

Daniele Zama1, Camilla Totaro2, Lorenzo Biscardi2

  • 1Paediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Sant'Orsola, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.

Nutrients
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The gut microbiota (GM) influences the immune system, potentially affecting childhood respiratory tract infections (RTIs). While dysbiosis is common, a specific bacterial signature for RTI risk in children remains elusive.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiome Research
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of childhood hospitalization.
  • The gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in immune system development and function.
  • The relationship between GM and RTIs in children is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiological pathways linking GM to the immune system.
  • To explore the role of GM in childhood respiratory viral infections.
  • To compare studies on GM composition and RTIs in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature.
  • Analysis of physiological mechanisms of GM-immune system interaction.
  • Comparison of studies investigating GM and RTIs in children.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests GM dysbiosis is associated with RTIs.
  • A distinct bacterial signature for RTI predisposition in children has not been identified.
  • The GM-immune system axis is critical for respiratory health.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding GM's role in RTIs is key for developing novel prevention and treatment strategies.
  • Integrated, GM-based approaches hold promise for pediatric RTIs.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate specific GM-host interactions in childhood RTIs.
Keywords:
RTIschildhoodchildrengut microbiotagut–lung axisrespiratory tract infections

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