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Inhaled Corticosteroids Influence Pulmonary Microbiota in Severe Equine Asthma
Estelle Manguin1, Robert P Dickson2, Juliette Jamon1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) altered the lung microbiota in horses with asthma, independent of lung function improvements. These medication-induced changes in respiratory bacteria require further investigation for their impact on lung health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) are used to treat asthma, but their direct impact on the respiratory tract's microbial community is unclear.
- Distinguishing the immunomodulatory effects of ICs from improved lung function in animal asthma models is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether ICs modify the pulmonary microbiota independently of their effects on lung function.
- To assess changes in bacterial communities in horses with experimentally induced asthma exacerbation.
Main Methods:
- A blinded, controlled trial involving 12 horses with severe asthma exacerbation.
- Horses received either long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) alone or ICs/LABA (fluticasone/salmeterol) via inhalation for two weeks.
- Lung function tests and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analysis, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were performed before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Both treatments improved lung function, but differences in microbiota composition were observed.
- In the LABA-only group, bacterial load and the abundance of Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia decreased, with altered beta-diversity.
- The ICs/LABA group showed an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Medications, including ICs, can alter the pulmonary microbiota in horses with asthma, potentially independent of ventilation improvements.
- The clinical significance and impact (beneficial or detrimental) of these medication-induced microbial shifts on the lung environment remain to be determined.
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