The human microbiota: a new direction in the investigation of thoracic diseases.

Advancements in next generation sequencing technology have provided means for the comprehensive profiling of the microbial community in the respiratory tract in both physiological and pathological conditions. Recent studies have analyzed the bacterial composition in the respiratory tract of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), influenza and tuberculosis patients, and have identified novel targets that may potentially lead to secondary infections. Certain bacteria have also been found to regulate the lung immune system and have unexpected connections with respiratory diseases. Further studies in these areas are necessary to dissect the exact relationship between the dynamics of the microbiota and the health of the respiratory system.