The Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Respiratory Tract Infections in Childhood: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in childhood and represent one of the main causes of hospitalization in this population. In recent years, many studies have described the association between gut microbiota (GM) composition and RTIs in animal models. In particular, the “inter-talk” between GM and the immune system has recently been unveiled. However, the role of GM in human, and especially infantile, RTIs has not yet been fully established. In this narrative review we provide an up-to-date overview of the physiological pathways that explain how the GM shapes the immune system, potentially influencing the response to common childhood respiratory viral infections and compare studies analysing the relationship between GM composition and RTIs in children. Most studies provide evidence of GM dysbiosis, but it is not yet possible to identify a distinct bacterial signature associated with RTI predisposition. A better understanding of GM involvement in RTIs could lead to innovative integrated GM-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of RTIs in the paediatric population.

Altered gut microbiota composition in children and their caregivers infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

“…The resident microbiota, consisting of trillions of microbes and their derived metabolites in the GI tract, are critical regulators in modulating host immune defense against pathogen infections [ 20 ]. It has been shown that respiratory infections are associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis in children [ 21 ]. Enterococcus was increased, whereas the abundances of Eubacterium , Faecalibacterium , and Bifidobacterium were reduced in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections [ 22 ].…”

Food for thought: Making the case for food produced via regenerative agriculture in the battle against non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs)

“…Sensitization develops at surfaces such as the skin, lung, and mucosa of the aerodigestive tract, and the role of the microbiota in these locations has recently been the focus of much attention. The gut microbiome significantly affects the risks for asthma and allergies among genetically predisposed atopic individuals [ 31 ]. Prebiotic foods (e.g., dietary fiber, fruits, vegetables, and resistant starch) and probiotic foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, and tempeh) promote the growth and maintenance of Bifidobacterium species, some Clostridia species , and Lactobacilli [ 32 ].…”

Gut microbiota composition in recurrent acute otitis media: a cross-sectional observational study

“…However, caution is advised in interpreting these findings, as subgroup analyses highlighted the need for further research in this area (Scott et al 2019). Dysbiosis, characterized by disruptions in gut microbiota composition and diversity, has been linked to immune dysregulation, potentially rendering individuals more susceptible to infections, including ear infections (Ihekweazu and Versalovic 2018;Willers and Viemann 2021;Zama et al 2022).…”