Composition and dynamics of the adult nasal microbiome
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The nasal microbiome, a dynamic assemblage of commensals and opportunistic pathogens, is crucial to human health. RESULTS: Using cross-sectional data from 1,608 adults and longitudinal sampling of 149 individuals over 8-22 months, we identified nine nasal community state types (CSTs), defined by bacterial density and indicator taxa, with varying stability and transition patterns. Core taxa such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes were highly stable, while opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis had shorter residence times. Interactions between Dolosigranulum pigrum and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum/propinquum were linked to reduced S. aureus colonization. Host factors, including age and biological sex, significantly shaped microbiome dynamics: men exhibited higher bacterial densities and pathogen colonization, while women showed more stable commensal-dominated CSTs. Aging was associated with shifts in CST frequencies, with declining S. aureus and increasing Enterobacterales. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal potential strategies by modulating nasal microbiome dynamics to reduce pathogen colonization and improve health. Video Abstract.
Source: Microbiome
Authors: Cindy M. Liu, Lise Tornvig Erikstrup, Sofie M. Edslev, Daniel E. Park, Juan E. Salazar, Maliha Aziz, Amalie Katrine Rendboe, Tony Pham, Khoa Manh Dinh, Kelsey Roach, Abigail Onos, Edward Sung, Nathan O. Weber, Paal Skytt Andersen, Henrik Ullum, Robert Skov, Bruce A. Hungate, Marc Stegger, Christian Erikstrup, Lance B. Price
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,990
OpenAlex ID: W7123362058