16S rRNA gene sequencing reveals site-specific signatures of the upper and lower airways of cystic fibrosis patients.

BACKGROUND

Metastasis of upper airway microbiota may have significant implications in the development of chronic lung disease. Here, we compare bacterial communities of matched sinus and lung mucus samples from cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects undergoing endoscopic surgery for treatment of chronic sinusitis.

METHODS

Mucus from one maxillary sinus and expectorated sputum were collected from twelve patients. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was then performed on sample pairs to compare the structure and function of CF airway microbiota.

RESULTS

Bacterial diversity was comparable between airway sites, though sinuses harbored a higher prevalence of dominant microorganisms. Ordination analyses revealed that samples clustered more consistently by airway niche rather than by individual. Finally, predicted metagenomes suggested that anaerobiosis was enriched in the lung.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that while the lung may be seeded by individual sinus pathogens, airway microenvironments harbor distinct bacterial communities that should be considered in selecting antimicrobial therapies.