Microflora of the lungs in health and disease, the impact of vaccination

Abstract

The development of new methods for diagnosing infectious diseases, such as polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and mass spectrometry, has made it possible to expand our understanding of the microflora of the human body in general and of the respiratory tract in particular. The most common microorganisms in lungs include Proteobacteria (Pseudomonas spp., Haemophilus spp.), Bacteriodetes (Prevotella spp., Porphyromonas spp.) and Firmicutes (Veillonella spp., Streptococcus spp.). Pathological processes in the lower respiratory tract change the microbiome. Consequently, Moraxella, Haemophilus, and Acinetobacter microorganisms are found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The main causative agents of community-acquired pneumonia include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and other enterobacteria. Atypical causative agents of pneumonia include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. The wide prevalence of S. pneumoniae in the population confirms the need for vaccines to prevent the development of invasive and noninvasive forms of infection. The aim of the study was to analyze literature data on the structure of the normal microflora of the lung and to investigate its role in the development of pathological conditions. Conclusion. A growing body of research confirms the important role of the normal microflora of the respiratory tract. Vaccination against diseases of the bronchopulmonary system may reduce the incidence and mortality of pneumonia. However, the problem of community-acquired pneumonia is still relevant. In particular, the changes in the structure of the pathogens of this disease is of great interest. Vaccination against respiratory pathogens in combination with uncontrolled use of antibiotics during the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection could contribute to a change in the structure of both the lower respiratory microflora in general and the pathogens of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia in particular. The detection of a change in the predominant pathogen calls for revising etiotropic treatment and organizing planned prophylaxis if the appropriate vaccines are available.