Respiratory microbiome and its relationship with inflammatory markers

Abstract

The aim: This study aims to investigate and analyze the microbiome of the nasopharyngeal zone in acute respiratory infections (ARI) and their relationship with inflammatory markers. Materials and methods: Examination of 112 children (10-14 years old) with acute respiratory infections (ARI) of the upper respiratory tract was carried out. The control group consisted of 25 healthy children identical in age and examination parameters. Results: When analyzing the microflora of the nasopharynx of patients, 29,0% of strains were gram-positive bacteria and 71,0% were gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli representing 37,0%). Biochemical examination of the biomaterial revealed the presence of sucrase (n=69), maltase (n=87), lactorepoxidase (n-89) and alcohols - sorbitol (hexahydric alcohol, n=102), mannitol (hexahydric alcohol, n=84), xylitol (pentahydric alcohol, n=86). Regarding the markers of inflammatory response, the following dynamics was noted: increase in the level of IgM (3,91 ± 1,79 g/l, p<0,01) by 2,2 times, elevation of Ig G level by 10 times (145, 91 ± 53,04 g/l, p< 0,01), slightly higher than the reference values IgE level. In addition, increased IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, γ-IFN, TNF-α, Neopterin levels were detected. The level of Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was significantly different compared to the control group (0,62 ± 0,57 vs. 1,98 ± 0,30 mIU/ ml, p< 0,01), but within the reference values. Conclusions: Predominance of Gram-negative bacteria in the nasopharyngeal microflora of patients along with elevated inflammatory markers and lactoperoxydase enzyme predominance was detected in the study.