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Published on: January 17, 2014
Interactions between bacteria in the human nasopharynx: a scoping review
Kan Yu1, Vanessa Tenaglia2, Eng Guan Chua1
1The Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases, Research and Training, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
The Lancet. Microbe
|March 6, 2025
Summary
Bacterial interactions in the nasopharynx impact respiratory health. Commensal bacteria like Dolosigranulum and Corynebacterium can inhibit pathogens, suggesting potential for microbiota-targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The nasopharyngeal microbiome plays a crucial role in respiratory health.
- Bacterial interactions within this niche are increasingly recognized as significant.
- Understanding these interactions is key to developing new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize studies on bacterial interactions in the human nasopharynx.
- To identify key bacterial species and their associations.
- To explore the implications of these interactions for respiratory health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic scoping review methodology.
- Inclusion of 88 observational and experimental studies.
- Analysis of reported bacterial associations and interactions.
Main Results:
- Variable association between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
- Consistent positive association between S. pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis.
- Consistent negative association between S. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Experimental studies validated observational findings and revealed interaction mechanisms.
- Commensal bacteria (Dolosigranulum, Corynebacterium, non-pneumococcal alpha-haemolytic streptococci) inhibited key respiratory pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial competition and coexistence significantly shape the nasopharyngeal microbiome.
- These interactions have direct relevance to respiratory health.
- Findings can inform the development of microbiota-targeted therapies for respiratory conditions.
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