Investigation into the Natural History of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Lung Microbiome of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Patients
Abstract
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (nCFB) represents an orphan disease with much of our understanding of the natural history and microbial adaptation derived from studies performed in cystic fibrosis (CF). Findings from such studies are inferred to hold true to nCFB with little supporting evidence. Importantly, in nCFB patients comparatively little is known about the natural history and pathoadaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the archetypal lung pathogen, nor the potential role of the lung microbiome in disease. By challenging preconceived notions about nCFB, we identified many similarities and notable differences in the natural history, epidemiology, and virulence adaptations of P. aeruginosa infections between nCFB and CF-derived P. aeruginosa isolates. Furthermore, by characterizing a collection of longitudinally collected sputum samples, we found that the microbiome is diverse and generally unique to each individual. We observed the microbial community to be relatively stable over time but independent of disease state and acute exacerbation events.
Description
Keywords
Microbiology, Epidemiology
Citation
Woo, T. (2017). Investigation into the Natural History of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the Lung Microbiome of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Patients (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26650