Human Respiratory and Gut Microbiomes-Do They Really Contribute to Respiratory Health?

Abstract

Human gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts are colonized by diverse polymicrobial communities shortly after birth, which are continuously molded by environmental exposure. The development of the resident microbiota in early life is a critical factor in the maturation of a healthy immune system. Disturbances to the intricate relationship between environmental exposure and maturation of the infant microbiome have been increasingly identified as a potential contributor to a range of childhood diseases. This review details recent evidence that implicates the contribution of gut and airway microbiome to pediatric respiratory health.

Keywords: acute respiratory disease; asthma; gut microbiome; microbiome development; respiratory microbiome.

Figure 1

Specific members of the upper airway microbiota have been differentially linked to acute respiratory illness (ARI), including lower respiratory illness (LRI), recurrent wheeze, asthma risk and exacerbation. Although limited, there is some evidence that interactions exist between at least some members of the upper airway microbiota with those colonizing the lower airways and with the pulmonary immune system. However, further work is required to elucidate these links.