Oral Cavity Microbiome Impact on Respiratory Infections Among Children

Abstract

Background: The respiratory system, traditionally considered antiseptic, harbors a diverse and dynamic bacterial microbiome. Recent advancements in microbiome research have revealed its significant influence on both innate and adaptive immunity, particularly in the context of respiratory infections in children. This article also provides an overview of the types of bacteria that commonly affect the respiratory system, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria are prevalent in pediatric populations and significantly contribute to the development and severity of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

Purpose: This review aims to evaluate the impact of the oral cavity and upper respiratory microbiome on the susceptibility and severity of respiratory infections in pediatric populations. We specifically focus on how early colonization patterns of bacteria such as Moraxella and Streptococcus contribute to the development of respiratory tract infections in children from birth through adolescence.

Methods: A thorough literature review was performed, focusing on studies publishing between 2004 and 2023. The review included research exploring the role of the upper respiratory microbiome in pediatric populations, with a specific focus on children aged birth to 18 years. Emphasis was placed on microbial characterization, the modulation of immune responses in respiratory tract infections, and the potential therapeutic applications of microbiome-targeted interventions.

Results: The findings suggest that the composition and disruption of the upper respiratory microbiome significantly influence clinical outcomes in children with respiratory infections. Notably, dysbiosis in the microbiome has been linked to increased susceptibility to repeated infections, highlighting the importance of maintaining microbial balance for optimal respiratory health.

Conclusion: Understanding the impact of oral cavity and upper respiratory microbiome could lead to improved management and prevention strategies for respiratory infections in children. This review underscores the potential of microbiome modulation, including the use of probiotics as a therapeutic approach to enhance clinical outcomes in pediatric respiratory infections.

Keywords: children; immunity; microbiome; respiratory infections.

Figure 1

Key Microbial Community Members in Health and during RTI for Each Respiratory Niche.

Figure 2

Impact of the Respiratory Microbiota before, during, and after RTIs (A). Prior to the first RTI episodes at the age of 4 months, the respiratory microbiota already shows distinct microbial maturation patterns related to consecutive RTI susceptibility (B).

Figure 3

Distribution of scientific publications concerning microbiome by anatomical site. (A) Distribution of publications according to ecological niche. (B) Distribution of publications according to the different bacterial, viral and mycotic microbiome.