Short term dynamics of the sputum microbiome among COPD patients.

Authors

Rohita Sinha, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lisa A. Weissenburger-Moser, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Jennifer L. Clarke, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lynette M. Smith, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Art J. Heires, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Debra J. Romberger, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Tricia D. LeVan, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal Title

PLoS One

Publication Date

2018

Volume

13

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by incompletely reversible airflow obstruction. The complexity of the lung microbial community in COPD patients has been highlighted in recent years. Evidence suggests that transplantation, medications, age, and disease severity influence microbial community membership. However, the dynamics of the lung microbiome in stable COPD patients remain poorly understood. In this study, we completed a longitudinal 16S ribosomal RNA survey of the lung microbiome on replicate sputum samples collected from 4 former smokers with COPD (Stage 2) within a 2-day time period. Samples from each individual over the two-day period were similar based on α-diversity, principle component analysis and taxonomy at the phyla and genera level. Sputum samples from COPD patients were also collected between 2-9 months of follow-up. Data suggest an increased variability of the sputum microbiota when comparing samples collected ≤ 3 months compared to those collected ≥ 4 months; however, no statistically significant shifts in the abundance (>2-fold) of taxa between the two time points was observed. Bacterial composition and the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) remained similar over time. Results from this study suggest that the sputum microbiome is relatively stable in clinically stable COPD patients (Stage 2). This study furthers our understanding of the dynamics of the lung microbiome in COPD patients.

DOI Link

10.1371/journal.pone.0191499

ISSN

1932-6203

Rights

Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication 1.0

Recommended Citation

Sinha, Rohita; Weissenburger-Moser, Lisa A.; Clarke, Jennifer L.; Smith, Lynette M.; Heires, Art J.; Romberger, Debra J.; and LeVan, Tricia D., "Short term dynamics of the sputum microbiome among COPD patients." (2018). Journal Articles: Internal Medicine. 7.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/com_internal_articles/7