Microbiome and disease in the upper airway

Abstract

Purpose of review-Microbiome refers to the genetic potential of resident microorganisms that inhabit a given niche. The exact role of the microbiome and its relation to chronic disease processes remains largely unknown, although various associations have been observed. We reviewed current literature investigating the microbiome of the upper airway by subsite (nasal cavity, sinus cavities, nasopharynx, and larynx) and its relation to chronic inflammatory disease processes. Recent findings-The disruption of indigenous microbiota at a specific subsite may lead to pathogen overgrowth and increased susceptibility to infection. This has previously been demonstrated in the gastrointestinal tract and lower airways. The role of the microbiome and its relation to pathogenesis of disease in the upper airway, however, is less clearly understood. The present review discusses the recent studies that appear to link dysbiosis to upper airway chronic inflammatory diseases. Summary-Despite mounting research, the role of microbiota in the upper airway remains poorly understood. Based on review of the current literature comparing healthy versus diseased patients with site-specific inflammatory conditions, a complex consortium of microbial communities inhabits the upper airway. Fluctuations in the baseline microbiome may contribute to disease pathogenesis, and improved understanding of the dynamics between shifting microbiota may be critical to guiding future medical therapy.

The influence of species richness in primary school surroundings on children lung function and allergic disease development

“…19 Unfortunately, the quantification of species for the SRI used in the present study was provided assume that a school with a higher number of habitats has a higher chance of having a higher SRI, and thus, children studying in those schools would be less prone to develop allergic and respiratory diseases. Moreover, since the exposure to the environmental biodiversity appears to influence the human microbiome, [21][22][23] and considering that airway microbial diversity has been associated with mite-sensitized rhinitis and asthma in early childhood, [24][25][26] a lower prevalence of allergic diseases and asthma was expected to be observed on schools with higher species richness. However, this was not observed in the present study, with the prevalence of atopic dermatitis actually increasing in schools with higher SRI.…”

Role of Probiotics in Stimulating the Immune System in Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: A Narrative Review

“…In the past decade, studies linking the microbiota and immune system function have laid the foundation for the opportunities in microbiota modulation and bacterial therapeutics in health and disease. Further, studies have associated the gut and airway microbiota with upper and lower respiratory tract health and immunity [ 3 , 4 ]. Thus, modulation of the gut microbiota and immunity by dietary supplements or pharmaceuticals is of increasing interest in finding novel solutions to manage RTIs.…”

Novel Ex Vivo Model to Examine the Mechanism and Relationship of Esophageal Microbiota and Disease

“…A disruption in this symbiotic relationship can lead to adverse consequences. Other organ systems have seen a disturbance in the microbiome result in disease and worsening health status [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Helicobacter pylori levels have been associated with GERD and esophageal cancer in some studies, but this trend has been inconsistent [ 33 , 34 ].…”