Airway microbiome shifts characterize COPD individuals in a setting of well-controlled HIV

Background: There is increasing morbidity and mortality related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in sub-Saharan Africa. COPD among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has not been well studied in this region, where HIV/AIDS is endemic. In this study, we examine the association between airway microbiome and COPD among PLWHA in rural Uganda.Methods: We completed a cross-sectional study of 200 adults with equal numbers of participants by HIV and COPD status in rural Uganda where participants underwent sputum induction. 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) sequencing was performed to assess airway microbial composition by HIV and COPD status.