BRONCHIECTASIS: MICROBIOME AND INFECTIONS

Abstract

Due to the degradation of the muscles and elastic connective tissues, bronchiectasis is characterized by a chronic enlargement of the bronchi and bronchioles. The condition is characterized by an ongoing cough, the production of sputum, and infections and can strike at any age. Bronchiectasis may have been less frequent in the 20th century, but it still ranks third among the chronic inflammatory disorders of the airways, behind chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae are the most frequent bacteria detected in bronchiectasis airways worldwide, but proportions differ amongst bacterial communities. Additionally, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Veillonella, and Staphylococcus have been found in bronchiectasis patients' airways. The symptoms of bronchiectasis, which include worsened sputum production with more blood and purulent discharge, wheezing and dyspnea, as well as fever, are considered to be brought on by bacterial infection. On thin-section CT scans, morphologic criteria include the presence of bronchi within 1 cm of the pleural surface and bronchial dilatation in relation to the adjacent pulmonary artery (signet ring sign). The basic objectives of bronchiectasis care are to preserve adequate lung function, regulate symptoms and enhance patient quality of life while preventing and reducing exacerbations.