Comparison of the airway microbiota in children with chronic suppurative lung disease.

RATIONALE

The airway microbiota is important in chronic suppurative lung diseases, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). This comparison has not previously been described but is important because difference between the two diseases may relate to the differing prognoses and lead to pathological insights and potentially, new treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the longitudinal development of the airway microbiota in children with PCD to that of CF and relate this to age and clinical status.

METHODS

Sixty-two age-matched children (age range 0.5-17 years) with PCD or CF (n=31 in each group) were recruited prospectively and followed for 1.1 years. Throat swabs or sputum as well as clinical information were collected at routine clinical appointments. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The microbiota was highly individual and more diverse in PCD and differed in community composition when compared with CF. While was the most abundant genus in both conditions, was more abundant in CF with more abundant in PCD (P=0.0005). In PCD only, an inverse relationship was seen in the relative abundance of and with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial community composition differs between children with PCD and those with CF. is more prevalent in CF and in PCD, at least until infection with supervenes. Interactions between organisms, particularly members of , and genera appear important. Study of the interactions between these organisms may lead to new therapies or risk stratification.