Characteristics of the microbiota in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity of healthy children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microbial colonization in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity plays a defensive role in children. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have an influence on the nasopharynx and nasal cavity microbiota. This study aimed to identify and compare the microbiota in the nasopharynx and nasal cavity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a healthy pediatric population.

Methods

Separate mucosal swabs were collected from the nasopharynx and nasal cavity of healthy children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 16S ribosomal RNA-based metagenomic approach was employed to characterize and analyze alterations in the nasopharyngeal and nasal microbiota to determine whether isolation measures, such as mask wearing, influence microbial ecology.

Results

SUBMITTER: Liang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12380981 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature