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Bacterial Microbiota of Asthmatic Children and Preschool Wheezers' Airways-What Do We Know?
Kamil Bar1, Maja Litera-Bar2, Barbara Sozańska1
11st Department and Clinic of Paediatrics, Allergology and Cardiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Asthma is the most chronic pulmonary disease in pediatric population, and its etiopathology still remains unclear. Both viruses and bacteria are suspected factors of disease development and are responsible for its exacerbation. Since the launch of The Human Microbiome Project, there has been an explosion of research on microbiota and its connection with various diseases. In our review, we have collected recent data about both upper- and lower-airway bacterial microbiota of asthmatic children. We have also included studies regarding preschool wheezers, since asthma diagnosis in children under 5 years of age remains challenging due to the lack of an objective tool. This paper indicates the need for further studies of microbiome and asthma, as in today's knowledge, there is no particular bacterium that discriminates the asthmatics from the healthy peers and can be used as a potential biological factor in the disease prevalence and treatment.
Insights
Pediatric asthma research explores the airway microbiome. Current studies show no specific bacteria definitively link to childhood asthma, highlighting the need for more research into microbial roles.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Microbiome Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease in children with unclear origins.
- Viral and bacterial infections are implicated in asthma development and exacerbation.
- The Human Microbiome Project has spurred research into microbiota's role in diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on upper- and lower-airway bacterial microbiota in pediatric asthma.
- To examine studies on preschool wheezers, where asthma diagnosis is challenging.
- To assess the potential of bacterial biomarkers in childhood asthma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent literature on pediatric asthma and airway microbiota.
- Inclusion of studies focusing on children under five years old (preschool wheezers).
- Analysis of research investigating bacterial composition in asthmatic versus healthy children.
Main Results:
- Collected data on bacterial microbiota in both upper and lower airways of asthmatic children.
- Included studies on preschool wheezers due to diagnostic difficulties.
- Identified a lack of specific bacterial species that clearly differentiate asthmatic children from healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- Further research on the microbiome in pediatric asthma is essential.
- Currently, no single bacterium can serve as a reliable biomarker for asthma diagnosis or treatment in children.
- The complex interplay between host and microbiota warrants deeper investigation.
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