The Airway Microbiome and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Abstract The advent of culture-independent microbiologic techniques has demonstrated relationships between the composition of the airway microbiota (microbial communities in the respiratory tract) and many pulmonary disorders. Recent scientific discoveries have provided insight into the establishment of the airway microbiome in the neonate and its early postnatal changes that are associated with short-term and long-term pulmonary outcomes. Airway microbial dysbiosis may have a causal association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and many ongoing studies are currently exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms. The precise mechanisms by which the pulmonary microbiome is modulated after birth continue to remain uncertain. Future studies are warranted to test the therapeutic benefits of pulmonary microbiome manipulation by probiotics, prebiotics, and specific antimicrobial therapy.