Comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiota in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of varying severity-A prospective, observational study.

ABSTRACT

Accumulating evidence has highlighted the influence of the gut microbiota on lung immunity. We examined the effects of changes in intestinal microecology on the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and identified microbial biomarkers for acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Fecal samples were collected from 30 patients with stable COPD, 30 patients with AECOPD, and 10 healthy individuals. Fecal microbiological profiles were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed a distinct difference in the bacterial community composition between the AECOPD, COPD, and healthy control groups. The COPD and AECOPD groups had higher levels of Firmicutes but lower levels of Bacteroidetes compared to the healthy control group at the phylum level. At the genus level, there was an increased abundance of Lachnoclostridium, Alistipes, Streptococcus, and Prevotella in COPD and AECOPD patients. Increasing levels of Lachnoclostridium and Prevotella may indicate an acute exacerbation of COPD. This study identified specific microbial biomarkers associated with AECOPD and characterized the composition of gut microbiota in patients with AECOPD.