Microbiome Differs in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

The microbiota profile of patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) differs from that of control subjects, according to a systematic review published in The Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

“Until recently, the esophagus was not considered to have a mucosa-associated microbiome, although the rise of the small ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing has allowed growth-independent organism characterization, which indicates that this organ contains a resident microbial population that shifts in different health states,” explained a research team from the University of Newcastle in Australia.

The systematic review included 7 studies investigating the microbiota composition of patients with EoE.

A full-text review of all the studies revealed a correlation between microbiota of the mouth and esophagus. Oral microbiota, researchers reported, likely shape the esophageal microbiota through the swallowing of microorganisms and associated products.

Compared with controls, patients with active EoE consistently showed a heightened esophageal microbial load as well as a greater abundance of particular species, such as Haemophilus and Aggregatibacter, according to the review.

In contrast, patients with EoE had a decrease in specific members of the Firmicutes phylum, such as Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Veillonela, and Parvimonas.

“High microbial load and abundance of Haemophilus are observed in EoE patients, but little evidence exists to demonstrate their influence on inflammation and disease,” researchers wrote. “Understanding microbial signatures in EoE might contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.”

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference
Angerami Almeida K, de Queiroz Andrade E, Burns G, et al The microbiota in eosinophilic esophagitis: a systematic review. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;37(9):1673-1684. doi:10.1111/jgh.15921