Analysis of the intestinal microbial community and inferred functional capacities during the host response to Pneumocystis pneumonia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients infected with HIV/AIDS. In this study, we evaluated the intestinal microbial communities associated with the development of experimental Pneumocystis pneumonia, as there is growing evidence that the intestinal microbiota is critical for host defense against fungal pathogens.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were infected with live Pneumocystis murina (P. murina) via intratracheal inoculation and sacrificed 7 and 14 days postinfection for microbiota analysis. In addition, we evaluated the intestinal microbiota from CD4+ T cell depleted mice infected with P. murina.

Results

We found that the diversity of the intestinal microbial community was significantly altered by respiratory infection with

SUBMITTER: Samuelson DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5304582 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct - Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature