Association between Dysbiosis of Key Species of Nasal Microbiome and Allergic Rhinitis in Adult Patients

Abstract

Background: Nasal cavity of healthy adults is dominated by nasal microbiome as Corynebacterium on the genus level. The interactions between the local microbiota and the human immune system have a significant impact on the frequency of allergic diseases. Each year, there are more cases of inflammatory nasal mucosal diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR). Many of these illnesses still have an unclear cause. Since nasal microbiota have been found to play important role in regulating immune function, dysbiosis of the nasal microbiota may be the cause of AR. Objective: Investigate association between dysbiosis of nasal microbiome (Corynebacterium genus) and AR in adult patients. Methodology: This case control study included 56 subjects (28 in case group and 28 in control group), all were subjected to skin prick test and nasal swab collection for identification and quantitation of Corynebacterium by cultivation and real time PCR. Results: There was a statistically significant lower Corynebacterium colony count and relative expression (RQ) of 16S rRNA gene in AR patients compared to control group. Corynebacterium RQ of 16S rRNA gene was better in assessment of AR severity (sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 84.6% and 82% accuracy at cut off ≤0.187 fold change) than Corynebacterium colony count (sensitivity of 73.3%, a specificity of 62.5% and 70% accuracy at a cut off value of ≤19.5×103 CFU/ml). Conclusion: Patients with decreased Corynebacterium colony count and RQ of 16S rRNA gene have a higher risk for AR.