Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
07:38

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue

Published on: June 14, 2020

Altered Tonsillar Microbiome in Children with Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

E Woods1, D Jones1, O Gorden1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|June 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with Down syndrome (DS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a distinct tonsillar microbiome. Specific bacteria like Haemophilus were depleted, while others like Staphylococcus were enriched, offering insights into OSA mechanisms in DS.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome Research
  • Genetics and Disease
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Children with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • The role of the tonsillar microbiome in DS-associated OSA is currently unexplored.
  • Anatomical, neuromuscular, immunological, and metabolic factors contribute to OSA in DS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if DS-associated OSA presents a distinct tonsillar microbiome compared to non-DS OSA.
  • To identify specific microbial alterations in the tonsils of children with DS and OSA.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on tonsillar tissue from 22 DS and 18 non-DS (NDS) participants.
  • Alpha and beta diversity were assessed using Faith's phylogenetic diversity and UniFrac distances.
  • Differential abundance of taxa was identified using ANCOM-BC and Mann-Whitney testing.

Main Results:

  • Overall microbial richness and community structure were similar between DS and NDS groups.
  • Overweight DS participants showed increased phylogenetic diversity compared to normal-weight DS peers.
  • DS tonsils displayed depletion of *Haemophilus* and enrichment of *Staphylococcus*, *Rothia*, and *Lactobacillales*; *Haemophilus* abundance correlated positively with tonsil weight.

Conclusions:

  • Specific microbial shifts in the DS tonsillar niche distinguish this population, despite preserved global diversity.
  • These microbial differences may reflect altered immune and metabolic environments in trisomy 21.
  • Understanding these shifts could elucidate OSA mechanisms in DS and guide targeted therapies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.