Phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of bacteria associated with cystic fibrosis
article
In patients afflicted with cystic fibrosis (CF), morbidity and mortality are primarily associated with
the adverse consequences of chronic microbial bronchial infections, which are thought to be
caused by a few opportunistic pathogens. However, recent evidence suggests the presence of other
microorganisms, which may significantly affect the course and outcome of the infection. Using a
combination of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, bacterial culturing and pyrosequencing of barcoded
16S rRNA amplicons, the microbial communities present in CF patient sputum samples were
examined. In addition to previously recognized CF pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Staphylococcus aureus, 460 phylogenetically diverse bacterial genera that are not typically
associated with CF pathogenesis were also detected. A surprisingly large number of fermenting
facultative and obligate anaerobes from multiple bacterial phyla was present in each sample. Many
of the bacteria and sequences found were normal residents of the oropharyngeal microflora and
with many containing opportunistic pathogens. Our data suggest that these undersampled
organisms within the CF lung are part of a much more complex microbial ecosystem than is
normally presumed. Characterization of these communities is the first step in elucidating potential
roles of diverse bacteria in disease progression and to ultimately facilitate advances in CF therapy.
the adverse consequences of chronic microbial bronchial infections, which are thought to be
caused by a few opportunistic pathogens. However, recent evidence suggests the presence of other
microorganisms, which may significantly affect the course and outcome of the infection. Using a
combination of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, bacterial culturing and pyrosequencing of barcoded
16S rRNA amplicons, the microbial communities present in CF patient sputum samples were
examined. In addition to previously recognized CF pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Staphylococcus aureus, 460 phylogenetically diverse bacterial genera that are not typically
associated with CF pathogenesis were also detected. A surprisingly large number of fermenting
facultative and obligate anaerobes from multiple bacterial phyla was present in each sample. Many
of the bacteria and sequences found were normal residents of the oropharyngeal microflora and
with many containing opportunistic pathogens. Our data suggest that these undersampled
organisms within the CF lung are part of a much more complex microbial ecosystem than is
normally presumed. Characterization of these communities is the first step in elucidating potential
roles of diverse bacteria in disease progression and to ultimately facilitate advances in CF therapy.
TNO Identifier
461875
Source
ISME Journal, 5(1), pp. 20-29.
Pages
20-29
Files
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