The fecal and sputum microbiota of cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by the lack of a proper functionality of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a membrane transport protein, causing a decreased secretion of chloride and dense mucus production. As a result, an aberrant mucosa and chronic inflammation are generated in the respiratory and digestive systems. In this work we have analyzed sputum and fecal samples of CF patients using a 16S rRNA gene-based protocol. We have compared the fecal microbiota of healthy subjects vs the fecal microbiota of CF patients, and we have tried to establish correlations between the fecal microbiota of CF patients and the microbial populations found in the sputum of the same individuals. Our preliminary data suggest that there are quantitative differences in the families Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaeae and Lachnospiraceae in the feces of CF patients. The dysbiosis detected in this study suggests that the intestinal microbiota of CF patients is a potential target in which we can act in order to modify its energy harvest capacity or its mucus hydrolysing capabilities, with the aim of improving the symptomatology associated with CF.