The airway microbiota in children newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis largely retains its diversity

There is a great deal of interest in the airway microbiota, its diversity and the role of specific microbial taxa in the pathophysiology of lung disease [1]. Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a significant public health problem in many countries including New Zealand where prevalence is high and morbidity and mortality are substantial [2–4]. A role for bacteria in the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis is widely accepted but poorly characterised due to inherent difficulties with lower airway sampling, especially in young children. Culture-based studies demonstrate associations with Haemophilus influenzae , Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae in children [2, 5] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adults and those with severe disease [6, 7].Footnotes This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the European Respiratory Journal . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJ online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article.Conflict of interest: Dr. Pillarisetti has nothing to disclose.Conflict of interest: Mr. Broderick has nothing to disclose.Conflict of interest: Dr. Ainsworth has nothing to disclose.Conflict of interest: Anna MulhollandConflict of interest: Dr. Middleton has nothing to disclose.Conflict of interest: Dr. Byrnes has nothing to disclose.Conflict of interest: Dr. Taylor has nothing to disclose.Conflict of interest: Dr. Wagner has nothing to disclose.