A Distinct Fecal Microbiota Pattern Is Associated with Bronchiolitis

Evidence suggests that gut microbiota might influence immune responses in other systems of the body, such as the respiratory tract.

To assess the possible association between fecal microbiota and bronchiolitis risk in infants, investigators conducted a case-control study involving 40 infants with bronchiolitis hospitalized at one of three academic children's hospitals and 115 age-matched healthy control patients (median age, 3 months) recruited from a primary care practice. Using fecal samples collected with a standardized protocol during hospitalization (cases) or at home prior to a clinic visit (controls), researchers conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify different microbiota profiles.

Four distinct microbiota profiles were identif…