Gut Microbiota Profiling by 16S rRNA Sequencing in Children with Mild or Intermittent Asthma: A Pilot Study in Alessandria, Italy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood, and the gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key player in its pathogenesis through the gut–lung axis. This pilot, cross-sectional study analyzed the intestinal microbiota of 20 children (6–9 years) with intermittent or mild persistent asthma, in the absence of a healthy control group. Stool samples were processed with 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina iSeq100, V3–V6 regions) and analyzed with MicrobAT-SmartSeq software. Contrary to most literature, no enrichment of Proteobacteria was detected, and Faecalibacterium was not reduced but emerged as the most abundant genus. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with greater microbial richness, while asthma phenotypes showed no major taxonomic differences. Pharmacological treatments modulated microbial profiles: leukotriene antagonists correlated with protective taxa, whereas inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators were linked to reduced beneficial functions. These findings highlight an overall eubiotic microbiota in asthmatic schoolchildren and call for larger, controlled studies to confirm these novel observations.
Source: Microorganisms
Authors: Valentina Pizzo, Alessia Francese, Paolo Bottino, Carlotta Bertolina, Franca Gotta, Michela Gandino, Enrico Felici, Riccardo Mazzucco, Marinella Bertolotti, Annalisa Roveta, Andrea Rocchetti, Antonio Maconi
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7106586069