Divergence of bacterial communities in the lower airways of CF patients in early childhood.

Rationale: Chronic airway infection and inflammation resulting in progressive, obstructive lung disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis. Understanding the lower airway microbiota across the ages can provide valuable insight and potential therapeutic targets.

Objectives: To characterize and compare the lower airway microbiota in cystic fibrosis and disease control subjects across the pediatric age spectrum.