Analysis of the respiratory tract microbial biogeography in alcohol use disorder populations

Host defense mechanisms are adversely affected by excessive alcohol intake, particularly among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) that include alcohol abuse and dependence. In addition, alcohol use significantly increases the risk of oropharyngeal aspiration, suggesting that alcohol consumption may directly influence the microbial biogeography of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Investigations of the lung microbiome in the setting of AUDs have not been conducted. To determine the microbial biogeography of the upper and lower respiratory tract in healthy individuals with AUDs compared to healthy non-AUD subjects matched on the basis of age, gender, and race, gargle, protected bronchial brush, and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens were collected during research bronchoscopies.

Source: Alcohol - March 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: D.R. Samuelson, E.L. Burnham, V.J. Maffei, W. Vandivier, E.E. Blanchard, J.E. Shellito, M. Luo, C.M. Taylor, D.A. Welsh Source Type: research