Dynamics of nasopharyngeal colonization by potential respiratory pathogens

Abstract

Studies have shown that colonization of the nasopharynx by potential respiratory pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis is established early in childhood, although rates vary greatly according to locality, sampling frequency, individual and social factors. Factors influencing colonization and elimination are not as yet fully understood, but adhesion to mucosal receptors and immune responses are implicated in addition to bacterial properties and colonization resistance dynamics. Colonization in children and adults has been intensively studied in various localities. Potential pathogens are more likely to colonize the nasopharynx of children prone to recurrent otitis media, where impaired local immunity and repeated exposure to respiratory pathogens are additional risk factors. Adults with chronic respiratory tract disease also have higher carriage rates. The factors contributing to increased risk of carriage of potential respiratory pathogens, as well as to clinical infection and antimicrobial resistance, are summarized in this review.

Neisseria meningitidis: a neglected cause of infectious haemorrhagic fever in the amazon rainforest

“…The carriage rates found for the three species in the villagers were similar as previously reported for the general population elsewhere, with the same pattern of early acquisition in life [15,16]. Nevertheless, the carriage rate reported here for N. meningitidis in the immediate family of the patient is normally encountered in household contacts of a case and a few specific close contacts outside the domestic context [1,3,12,16,17].…”

A poke into the diversity and associations within human anterior nare microbial communities

“…Differences in colonization by S. aureus have been attributed to host factors such as host immunity, age, gender and/or environmental factors (García-Rodríguez and Fresnadillo Martínez, 2002). However, interactions between microorganisms themselves may also influence which of the species are able to persist (Uehara et al, 2000).…”

Comparative study of nasal bacterial carriage in pediatric patients from two different geographical regions

“…Some of factors for bacterial colonization may comprise genetic background and socioeconomic conditions including housing, access to health care, hygiene habits, family size, day-care contact, etc. [20][21][22]. In industrialized countries, routine hygienic procedures, aimed at reducing the spread of bacteria in maternity and neonatal wards, have strongly influenced the colonization pattern of the newborn infant [22,23].…”

“…Viridans streptococci may antagonize colonization of nasopharyngeal site by other streptococci, especially group A β-hemolytic streptococci [20].…”