Composition and dynamics of the adult nasal microbiome

Cindy M Liu; Lise Tornvig Erikstrup; Sofie M Edslev; Daniel E Park; Juan E Salazar; Maliha Aziz; Amalie Katrine Rendboe; Tony Pham; Khoa Manh Dinh; Kelsey Roach; Abigail Onos; Edward Sung; Nathan O Weber; Paal Skytt Andersen; Henrik Ullum; Robert Skov; Bruce A Hungate; Marc Stegger; Christian Erikstrup; Lance B Price

doi:10.1186/s40168-025-02250-3

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Composition and dynamics of the adult nasal microbiome

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Composition and dynamics of the adult nasal microbiome

Cindy M Liu, Lise Tornvig Erikstrup, Sofie M Edslev, Daniel E Park, Juan E Salazar, Maliha Aziz, Amalie Katrine Rendboe, Tony Pham, Khoa Manh Dinh, Kelsey Roach, …

Microbiome, Vol.14(1), 38

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02250-3

PMID: 41530845

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Abstract

Adult

Aged

Bacteria - classification

Bacteria - genetics

Bacteria - isolation & purification

Cross-Sectional Studies

Female

Humans

Longitudinal Studies

Male

Microbiota

Middle Aged

Nasal Cavity - microbiology

Nose - microbiology

RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics

Staphylococcus aureus - isolation & purification

Young Adult

Background The nasal microbiome, a dynamic assemblage of commensals and opportunistic pathogens, is crucial to human health. Results Using cross-sectional data from 1,608 adults and longitudinal sampling of 149 individuals over 8–22 months, we identified nine nasal community state types (CSTs), defined by bacterial density and indicator taxa, with varying stability and transition patterns. Core taxa such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes were highly stable, while opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis had shorter residence times. Interactions between Dolosigranulum pigrum and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum/propinquum were linked to reduced S. aureus colonization. Host factors, including age and biological sex, significantly shaped microbiome dynamics: men exhibited higher bacterial densities and pathogen colonization, while women showed more stable commensal-dominated CSTs. Aging was associated with shifts in CST frequencies, with declining S. aureus and increasing Enterobacterales. Conclusions These findings reveal potential strategies by modulating nasal microbiome dynamics to reduce pathogen colonization and improve health.

Details

Title: Composition and dynamics of the adult nasal microbiome
Authors/Creators: Cindy M Liu - George Washington University
Lise Tornvig Erikstrup - Aarhus University Hospital
Sofie M Edslev - Statens Serum Institut
Daniel E Park - George Washington University
Juan E Salazar - George Washington University
Maliha Aziz - George Washington University
Amalie Katrine Rendboe - Statens Serum Institut
Tony Pham - Milken Institute
Khoa Manh Dinh - Copenhagen University Hospital
Kelsey Roach - Milken Institute
Abigail Onos - Milken Institute
Edward Sung - George Washington University
Nathan O Weber - Milken Institute
Paal Skytt Andersen - Statens Serum Institut
Henrik Ullum - Statens Serum Institut
Robert Skov - Statens Serum Institut
Bruce A Hungate - Northern Arizona University
Marc Stegger - Murdoch University
Christian Erikstrup - Aarhus University Hospital
Lance B Price - Milken Institute
Publication Details: Microbiome, Vol.14(1), 38
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Part of Springer Nature.
Number of pages: 14
Identifiers: 991005857588807891
Murdoch Affiliation: Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: No Topic Assigned; No Topic Assigned; No Topic Assigned
Web Of Science research areas: Microbiology
ESI research areas: Microbiology