Microbiome analysis in cystic fibrosis
Interactions between bacteria and their host represent a full continuum from pathogenicity to mutualism. From an evolutionary perspective, host-bacteria relationships are no longer considered a two-component ecological system but rather a complex interactive network. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by defective mucociliary clearance associated with polymicrobial chronic airway infections. Those infections, leading to persistent inflammation and periodic episodes of acute pulmonary exacerbation, contribute to an irreversible decline in CF lung function. However, the link between bacterial infections and decline in CF lung function is not yet understood but it seems that antibiotic treatment can restore the homeostasis of the system. We study CF lung microbiome aiming to answer different questions about CF microbiome resilience, antibiotic treatment effect and possible dysbiosis induced by exacerbation. Recent work focuses on interactions of commensal bacteria with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Selected publications
Boutin S, Weitnauer M, Hassel S, Graeber SY, Stahl M, Dittrich AS, Mall MA, Dalpke AH (2018): One time quantitative PCR detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to discriminate intermittent from chronic infection in cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 17(3):348-355
Boutin S, Dalpke AH (2017): Acquisition and Adaptation of the airway microbiota in the early life of cystic fibrosis patients. Mol Cell Pediatr 4(1): 1-9. doi: 10.1186/s40348-016-0067-1.
Boutin S, Graeber SY, Stahl M, Dittrich SA, Mall MA and Dalpke AH (2017): Chronic but not intermittent infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with global changes of the lung microbiome in cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir J 50 (4): 1701086, doi: 10.1183/13993003.01086-2017
Boutin S, Graeber SY, Weitnauer M, Panitz J, Stahl M, Clausznitzer D, Kaderali L, Einarsson G, Tunney MM, Elborn JS, Mall MA and Dalpke AH (2015): Comparison of microbiomes from different niches of upper and lower airways in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. PLOS One 10(1):e0116029
Gehrig S, Duer J, Weitnauer M, Wagner CJ, Graeber SY, Schatterny J, Hirtz S, Belaaouai A, Dalpke AH, Schultz C, Mall MA (2014): Lack of neutrophil elastase reduces inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and emphysema, but not mucus obstruction, in mice with CF-like lung disease. AJRCCM 189(9):1082-92
Supported by Mukoviszidose e.V.: