Over the last decade, it has become clear that respiratory and intestinal tract microbiota are related to pathogenesis of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Host and environmental factors can drive respiratory microbiota maturation in early life, which in turn is related to consecutive susceptibility to RTIs. Moreover, during RTIs, including viral bronchiolitis, the local microbiome appears to play an immunomodulatory role through complex interactions, though causality has not yet been fully demonstrated. The microbiota is subsequently associated with recovery after RTIs and can be related to persistent or long-term sequelae. In this Review, we explore the epidemiological evidence supporting these associations and link to mechanistic insights. The long-term consequences of childhood RTIs and the comprehensive role of the microbiota at various stages in RTI pathogenesis call for early life preventative and therapeutic interventions to promote respiratory health. ll
This communication reports preliminary data towards the development of a live ex vivo model of persistent infection that is based on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), which can be used for pre-screening biomaterials with antimicrobial properties for their antimicrobial and angiogenic potential. Our results showed that it was possible to infect chicken embryos with Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main types of bacteria found in the persistent infection associated with chronic wounds, and maintain the embryos’ survival for up to 48 h. Survival of the embryos varied with the dose of bacteria inoculum and with the use and time of streptomycin application after infection. In infected yet viable embryos, the blood vessels network of the CAM was maintained with minimal disruption. Microbiological tests could confirm embryo infection, but quantification was difficult. By publishing these preliminary results, we hope that not only our group but others within the scientific community further this research towards the establishment of biomimetic and reproducible ex vivo models of persistent infection.
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