The first study characterizing the respiratory microbiome in cystic fibrosis patients in Jordan

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is most commonly seen in Caucasians and is uncommon in the Middle East. This study, based in Jordan, aimed to describe the association between lung exacerbation in CF patients and the respiratory microbiome composition. Using the 16S rRNA marker-gene sequencing, we investigated the microbiota in sputa during exacerbation (E1) and 14 days after the exacerbation (E2) of two CF patients admitted to the hospital. Detected genera with high abundance in the E1-related sputa of the first patient included Achromobacter and Streptococcus. At E2, Achromobacter and Staphylococcus were the highest abundant genera. Regarding the second patient, Veillonella and Streptococcus, were the highest abundant genera at E1. Whereas, Streptococcus and Veillonella were the highest abundant genera. This is the first study, based in Jordan, to report and describe the respiratory microbiome during and after the exacerbation of CF patients. This study suggests that pulmonary exacerbation in CF patients can result in alterations in their respiratory microbiome. A better knowledge of this link could allow more focused use of antibiotics, especially during exacerbations, improving clinical efficacy and patient outcomes. (AU)