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Pneumocystis jirovecii is a potential pivotal ecological driver contributing to shifts in microbial equilibrium during the early-life lower airway microbiome assembly

Summary

Researchers studied how bacteria and fungi colonize infant lungs during the first year of life by examining lung tissue from autopsied infants. They found that the lung microbiome undergoes major changes between 2-4 months of age, and that a common fungal infection called Pneumocystis plays a key role in reshaping this microbial community. These early-life changes could have lasting impacts on children’s respiratory health later in life.

Background

Early-life microbiota is recognized as a major contributor to human health and disease. However, little is known about colonization patterns in the lower respiratory tract microbiome during infancy. This study investigates fungal and bacterial colonization in infant lungs using autopsy tissue samples.

Objective

To characterize fungal and bacterial communities in the lower airways during the first year of life and to investigate the role of Pneumocystis jirovecii in early-life lung microbiome assembly.

Results

Significant inter-individual variability in fungal and bacterial communities was observed, with important dynamic changes occurring at 2-4 months of age. Pneumocystis prevalence and abundance were significantly higher during this period. High Pneumocystis colonization was associated with distinct alterations in both fungal and bacterial community composition, particularly affecting Yarrowia bubula and Lactobacillus johnsonii.

Conclusion

The 2-4 month period represents a critical window for early-life lung microbiome assembly. Pneumocystis jirovecii appears to be a pivotal ecological driver contributing to shifts in microbial equilibrium during this period, potentially influencing future respiratory health in children.
  • Published in:Communications Biology,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40229539, DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-07810-9
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