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Characterization of conjunctival microbiome dysbiosis associated with allergic conjunctivitis
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  • Qiaoxing Liang,
  • Jing Li,
  • Shiyao Zhang,
  • Yinglin Liao,
  • Shixin Guo,
  • Juanran Liang,
  • Xiuli Deng,
  • Yu Liu,
  • Bin Zou,
  • Xiaofeng Wen,
  • Lingyi Liang,
  • Lai Wei
Qiaoxing Liang
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jing Li
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Shiyao Zhang
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Yinglin Liao
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Shixin Guo
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Juanran Liang
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Xiuli Deng
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Yu Liu
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Bin Zou
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Xiaofeng Wen
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Lingyi Liang
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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Lai Wei
Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center
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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.
Feb 2021Published in Allergy volume 76 issue 2 on pages 596-600. 10.1111/all.14635