Comprehensive Analysis of Nasal Microbiome in Allergic Rhinitis Patients: An In-depth Exploration in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

Dr. Balamurugan Ramadass, Additional Professor, Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, BhubaneswarDr. Saurav Sarkar, Additional Professor, Department of ENT, AIIMS, BhubaneswarAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the nasal lining, with symptoms and severity varying widely among individuals. Recent studies suggest that the nasal microbiome may significantly influence immune responses and contribute to the development of AR. This case-control study compared the nasal microbiomes of AR patients (classified by ARIA criteria) with those of healthy individuals, also examining the influence of past medication use.Nasal swab samples were collected from 24 participants and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 region) on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The study evaluated microbial diversity and identified differences in bacterial abundance between groups. Results showed that AR patients had lower microbial diversity and evenness than healthy controls. This reduction in diversity was more pronounced in patients with higher ARIA severity.The most abundant species in AR patients was Acinetobacter johnsonii. In contrast, healthy individuals had higher levels of Alloiococcus otitis, Propionibacterium acnes, and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Species such as Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Acinetobacter guillouiae were significantly elevated in AR patients. Some bacteria, like Anoxybacillus kestanbolensis and Micrococcus luteus, were associated with milder AR, while Methylobacterium adhaesivum was linked to more severe cases.Analysis of microbial community structures showed distinct differences between AR and control groups. Medication history, especially the use of steroids, played a major role in shaping the nasal microbiome.These findings highlight a complex relationship between nasal bacteria, AR severity, and treatment history, suggesting potential for microbiome-based biomarkers and personalized approaches to AR management.