Summary
Introduction:
This article, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, investigates the impact of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol deposition on the human oral microbiome. The study aims to determine the differences in microbial community profiles between e-cigarette users and non-smoking/non-vaping controls, as well as to assess whether e-cigarette use induces persistent changes in the oral microbiome. To accomplish this, salivary and buccal mucosa samples were collected from e-cigarette users and controls, with additional oral samples collected from e-cigarette users after two weeks of decreased use.
Key Points:
* The study found that e-cigarette users had a significantly higher alpha diversity, observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity (PD) in saliva samples compared to non-smoking/non-vaping controls. These changes declined with decreased vaping.
* Beta diversity was significantly different in buccal mucosa swab samples between e-cigarette users and non-smoking/non-vaping controls.
* There were also significant differences in the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa, with a significant increase in Veillonella and haemophilus in e-cigarette users.
* Nasal swabs demonstrated a trend toward higher colonization rates with Staphylococcus aureus in e-cigarette users relative to controls (19 vs. 7.1%; p = n.s.).
* The study sample size was small, with 12 e-cigarette users and 12 non-smoking/non-vaping controls.
* The study did not control for confounding factors such as diet, alcohol consumption, oral hygiene, and host genetics.
* The study was conducted with young adults, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette use is associated with significant changes in the oral microbiome, including increased diversity and altered bacterial taxa. These changes may have implications for oral and systemic health. however, the study has limitations, including a small sample size and the lack of control for confounding factors. Further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings. Nonetheless, the study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use.
Citation
Chopyk J, Bojanowski CM, Shin J, et al. Compositional Differences in the Oral Microbiome of E-cigarette Users. Frontiers in microbiology. 2021;12:599664. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.599664
