16S sequencing reveals differences between microbiomes in eyes, throat

BALTIMORE — Researchers found that the eyes and nose have microbiome similarities, but large difference exist between the eyes and throat, according to a study presented here.

“All of these microbiomes are in a close neighboring relationship, but the interplay between the three different areas is unknown,” Kara M. Cavuoto, MD, of the University of Miami School of Medicine, said in an interview with Healio.com/OSN at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Researchers looked at the ocular surface, nasal and pharyngeal microbiomes in 50 healthy children younger than 18 years.

The mucosal surfaces of both eyes, nose and throat were swabbed and placed in a collection media, with half of the media plated for culture and the other half undergoing DNA extraction and 16S sequencing, according to the study.

“Overall, we found that cultures were unsuccessful in telling us the number and types of bacteria on the ocular surface vs. DNA sequencing, which showed us a variety of different bacteria,” Cavuoto said.

Nasal samples did not differ significantly from ocular samples.

Throat samples had significantly higher observed diversity but statistically similar Shannon diversity when compared with ocular samples, according to the researchers.

“The ocular and nasal microbiomes were rather similar with Staphylococcus being the most common bacteria present, but when you compare the eyes and the throat, where Streptococcus was dominant, there are big differences,” Cavuoto said.

The researchers hope to continue this research in those with ocular surface disease and other health implications. – by Abigail Sutton

Reference:

Cavuoto KM, et al. Relationship between the ocular surface and the nose throat microbiomes in children. Presented at: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting; May 7-11, 2017; Baltimore.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.