Role of The Lung Microbiome in The Progression and Severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

P. Anusha, B Anirudh Kumar, Shrutica Tamrakar
Author(s)
1Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Chandulal Chandrakar Memorial Government Medical College, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India. 2Consultant, Department of Pulmonology, Dr A & N Lung Skin Care Private Limited, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. 3Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Abhishek I Mishra Memorial Medical College and Research, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Background: The lung microbiome, once considered negligible, is now recognized as a key regulator of pulmonary immunity and inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in microbial composition (dysbiosis) contribute significantly to the progression and severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The aim is to evaluate the association of lung microbiome diversity and composition with disease severity and exacerbation frequency in COPD patients. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 120 COPD patients. Sputum samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess microbial diversity. Patients were categorized based on GOLD staging and exacerbation frequency. Results: Reduced microbial diversity and increased abundance of Proteobacteria (especially Haemophilus) were significantly associated with severe COPD and frequent exacerbations. Dysbiosis correlated with declining lung function (FEV1%). Conclusion: Alterations in lung microbiome composition play a critical role in COPD progression and may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Keywords: COPD, Lung Microbiome, Dysbiosis, Exacerbation, 16S rRNA, Proteobacteria.

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