The role of the intestinal microbiota in respiratory infections

Many diseases can affect our lungs. Respiratory infections are the subject of numerous studies, particularly in this period of pandemic. The involvement of the intestinal microbiota (or gut flora) in some of them opens new therapeutic perspectives. However, we still need to understand the underlying mechanisms…

A gut-lung axis
The essential role of the micro-organisms that populate the intestine (intestinal microbiota) in our defense mechanisms against infections has recently been rediscovered. An imbalance of the gut microbiota (called dysbiosis) can affect our immune response and thus be involved in the occurrence of certain respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory infections. Australian researchers have uncovered a link between the microbiota and the “gut-lung” axis.

Focus on asthma and COPD
In the case of asthma, in addition to the evidence of intestinal dysbiosis, a decrease in certain bacterial components in the stool (lipopolysaccharides) seems to be associated with the risk of developing the symptomatology. In COPD, it seems difficult to specify whether changes in the gut microbiota or the respiratory microbiota are the cause or the consequence of the pathology. However, a “gut-lung” link has been established.

The protective effect of the intestinal microbiota
Several studies have demonstrated a link between microbiota imbalance, disruption of immune defense mechanisms and development of bacterial or viral respiratory infections. Certain probiotic strains (notably certain lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) have shown clinical interest in these circumstances. For the authors, even if further studies are necessary to deepen the relationship between intestinal microbiota and respiratory diseases, this suggests the emergence of new therapeutic leads.

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