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Microbiome and its role in bronchiectasis
Yiting Pan1, Jin-Fu Xu2,3
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Microbiome dysbiosis, an imbalance of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, significantly impacts bronchiectasis (BE) progression. Understanding these microbial shifts offers potential for early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for this chronic respiratory disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic respiratory condition marked by irreversible bronchial dilation and structural damage.
- Key symptoms include chronic cough, purulent sputum production, and hemoptysis.
- Microbiome dysbiosis is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in BE pathogenesis and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of microbiome dysbiosis in bronchiectasis.
- To explore the potential of microbiome-based biomarkers for BE classification, severity assessment, and prognosis.
- To summarize recent advancements in BE treatment strategies informed by microbiome research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating the airway, gut, and oral microbiomes in bronchiectasis.
- Analysis of next-generation sequencing data for characterizing microbial communities.
- Examination of the gut-lung and oral-lung axes in relation to airway inflammation and immune responses.
Main Results:
- BE is associated with an altered microbial composition, favoring pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Next-generation sequencing provides high-resolution insights into the BE airway microbiome.
- Extra-airway microbiomes (gut, oral) may influence airway inflammation via interconnected axes.
Conclusions:
- Microbiome dysbiosis is a hallmark of bronchiectasis, influencing disease severity and outcomes.
- Microbiome-derived biomarkers hold promise for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment.
- Further research into the complex host-microbiome interactions is crucial for optimizing BE management.
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