The Role of the Respiratory Tract Microbiome in Respiratory Infections

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 16779

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Department of Microbiology, Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, 28034 Madrid, Spain
Interests: microbial ecology; infectious diseases; human microbiome; microbial interactions; antibiotic resistance; omics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Acute lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, are a leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide. These infections that are principally caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses remain a persistent public health problem. However, until recently, the respiratory tract microbiome's performance in respiratory conditions has been underestimated and little studied. The investigation of the respiratory tract microbiome is gaining attention since recent studies have pointed towards a beneficial role of microbial inhabitants in stimulating the immune system and protecting against pathogen infection, as has been extensively documented for the gastrointestinal microbiome. Moreover, dysbiosis in the airway-associated microbial communities seems to favor colonization by opportunistic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms that can be part of the microbiota or acquired from the environment.

Therefore, this Special Issue in Microorganisms focuses on the emerging research area of the respiratory tract microbiome and its connection with airway infections and dysbiosis. Articles expanding the knowledge on any aspect related to the respiratory tract microbiome in infectious diseases are welcome.

Dr. Ana Elena Pérez Cobas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • respiratory tract microbiome
  • ecology
  • infectious diseases
  • dysbiosis

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 789 KiB  
Article
Microbiota Profile of the Nasal Cavity According to Lifestyles in Healthy Adults in Santiago, Chile
by Daniela Toro-Ascuy, Juan P. Cárdenas, Francisco Zorondo-Rodríguez, Damariz González, Evelyn Silva-Moreno, Carlos Puebla, Alexia Nunez-Parra, Sebastián Reyes-Cerpa and Loreto F. Fuenzalida
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1635; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071635 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1798
Abstract
Background: The respiratory microbiome is dynamic, varying between anatomical niches, and it is affected by various host and environmental factors, one of which is lifestyle. Few studies have characterized the upper respiratory tract microbiome profile according to lifestyle. We explored the association between [...] Read more.
Background: The respiratory microbiome is dynamic, varying between anatomical niches, and it is affected by various host and environmental factors, one of which is lifestyle. Few studies have characterized the upper respiratory tract microbiome profile according to lifestyle. We explored the association between lifestyles and microbiota profiles in the upper respiratory tract of healthy adults. Methods: We analyzed nasal samples from 110 healthy adults who were living in Santiago, Chile, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene-sequencing methods. Volunteers completed a structured questionnaire about lifestyle. Results: The composition and abundance of taxonomic groups varied across lifestyle attributes. Additionally, multivariate models suggested that alpha diversity varied in the function of physical activity, nutritional status, smoking, and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking, although the significant impact of those variables varied between women and men. Although physical activity and nutritional status were significantly associated with all indexes of alpha diversity among women, the diversity of microbiota among men was associated with smoking and the interaction between nutritional status and smoking. Conclusions: The alpha diversity of nasal microbiota is associated with lifestyle attributes, but these associations depend on sex and nutritional status. Our results suggest that future studies of the airway microbiome may provide a better resolution if data are stratified for differences in sex and nutritional status. Full article
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18 pages, 3365 KiB  
Article
Altered Nasal Microbiome in Atrophic Rhinitis: A Novel Theory of Etiopathogenesis and Therapy
by Saurav Sarkar, Fabien Magne, Giriprasad Venugopal, Suvendu Purkait, Naresh V. R. Mutha, Rituparna Maiti, Prity Sharma and Balamurugan Ramadass
Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112092 - 22 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5114
Abstract
Background: Atrophic rhinitis (AtR) is a chronic nasal condition with polygenic and polybacterial etiology. We investigated the clinical outcomes of honey therapy and the associated nasal microbiome in AtR. Methods: For eight weeks, a nonrandomized control trial using a nasal spray of 10% [...] Read more.
Background: Atrophic rhinitis (AtR) is a chronic nasal condition with polygenic and polybacterial etiology. We investigated the clinical outcomes of honey therapy and the associated nasal microbiome in AtR. Methods: For eight weeks, a nonrandomized control trial using a nasal spray of 10% manuka honey and saline on the right and left sides of the nose was conducted on 19 primary AtR patients. A nasal endoscopy was performed and a mucosal biopsy were taken before and after the intervention. Five of the nineteen patients were selected for microbiome and GPR43 expression studies. Results: We used manuka honey to describe an effective prebiotic treatment for atrophic rhinitis. There were nine males and ten females with an average (±SD) age of 33.8 (±10.7) years. Endoscopic scores and clinical symptoms improved in honey-treated nasal cavities (p < 0.003). There was a significant decrease in inflammation, restoration of mucus glands, and increased expression of GPR43 in the nasal cavities with honey therapy. The nasal microbiome composition before and after treatment was documented. Particularly, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers were positively enriched after honey therapy and correlated with improved clinical outcomes like nasal crusting, congestion, and discharge. Conclusion: Our approach to treating AtR patients with manuka honey illustrated effective clinical outcomes such as (1) decreased fetid smell, (2) thickening of the mucosa, (3) decreased inflammation with healed mucosal ulcers, (4) increased concentration of the mucosal glands, (5) altered nasal microbiome, and (6) increased expression of SCFA receptors. These changes are consequent to resetting the nasal microbiome due to honey therapy. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 1264 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Enigmatic Adenoids and Tonsils: Exploring Immunology, Physiology, Microbiome Dynamics, and the Transformative Power of Surgery
by Pinelopi Samara, Michael Athanasopoulos and Ioannis Athanasopoulos
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1624; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071624 - 21 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6861
Abstract
Within the intricate realm of the mucosal immune system resides a captivating duo: the adenoids (or pharyngeal tonsils) and the tonsils (including palatine, tubal, and lingual variations), which harmoniously form the Waldeyer’s ring. As they are strategically positioned at the crossroads of the [...] Read more.
Within the intricate realm of the mucosal immune system resides a captivating duo: the adenoids (or pharyngeal tonsils) and the tonsils (including palatine, tubal, and lingual variations), which harmoniously form the Waldeyer’s ring. As they are strategically positioned at the crossroads of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, these exceptional structures fulfill a vital purpose. They function as formidable “gatekeepers” by screening microorganisms—both bacteria and viruses—with the mission to vanquish local pathogens via antibody production. However, under specific circumstances, their function can take an unsettling turn, inadvertently transforming them into reservoirs for pathogen incubation. In this review, we embark on a fascinating journey to illuminate the distinctive role of these entities, focusing on the local immune system inside their tissues. We delve into their behavior during inflammation processes, meticulously scrutinize the indications for surgical intervention, and investigate the metamorphosis of their microbiota in healthy and diseased states. We explore the alterations that occur prior to and following procedures like adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or their combined counterparts, particularly in pediatric patients. By comprehending a wealth of data, we may unlock the key to the enhanced management of patients with otorhinolaryngological disorders. Empowered with this knowledge, we can embrace improved therapeutic approaches and targeted interventions/surgeries guided by evidence-based guidelines and indications. Full article
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Other

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6 pages, 247 KiB  
Case Report
Alloiococcus otitidis—Cause of Nonspecific Acute Sinusitis: First Case Report and Review of Literature
by Tanja Grubić Kezele, Maja Abram and Marina Bubonja-Šonje
Microorganisms 2022, 10(6), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10061182 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2240
Abstract
Although most sinus infections are viral, potential bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis can migrate during a viral respiratory infection from the nasopharynx into the sinus cavity causing sinusitis. Alloiococcus otitidis is a commensal of the external [...] Read more.
Although most sinus infections are viral, potential bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis can migrate during a viral respiratory infection from the nasopharynx into the sinus cavity causing sinusitis. Alloiococcus otitidis is a commensal of the external auditory canal and is considered one of the potential middle ear pathogens. Unlike most otopathogens, A. otitidis is rarely found in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals. This difficult-to-culture organism has not previously been described as a causative agent of sinusitis. Here we describe one case of acute sinusitis due to A. otitidis and review previous knowledge of this controversial organism based on recent literature. Full article
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