Characterization of conjunctival microbiome dysbiosis associated with
allergic conjunctivitis
Abstract
Background: Evidence shows that the microbiome plays an important role
in allergic diseases. The associations between the conjunctival
microbiome dysbiosis and ocular allergy remain unknown. This study
investigates the characteristics of the conjunctival microbiome in
allergic conjunctivitis (AC). Methods: We performed metagenomic shotgun
sequencing on conjunctival samples from 48 healthy subjects and 39
patients with AC. The AC group comprised 21 patients with seasonal
allergic conjunctivitis or perennial allergic conjunctivitis (SAC/PAC)
and 18 patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Results: We
identified a signature microbiome associated with the dysbiosis of
conjunctival microbiota on the ocular surface of patients with AC.
Interestingly, SAC/PAC and VKC harbor distinct microbial communities.
Specifically, Brevibacterium aurantiacum is enriched in SAC/PAC, whereas
a group of Streptococcus species and Haemophilus parainfluenzae are
enriched in VKC. Conclusion: Dysbiosis of conjunctival microbiome is
found on the ocular surface of AC patients. These results suggest a new
microbial mechanism of AC and provide a potential target for AC
treatment.