Colonization resistance of buccal epitheliocytes as an indicator of mucosal immune homeostatic resources in children with recurrent respiratory diseases

Of particular interest is the study of colonization resistance of the oral cavity as a physiological phenomenon that reflects the ability of the microbiota and macroorganism in cooperation to protect the ecosystem of the oral cavity from pathogens. Purpose is to evaluate the significance of indicators of colonization resistance of buccal epithelial cells as a marker of homeostatic resources of mucosal immunity in recurrent respiratory diseases in children. Material and methods. 232 (5–16 years old) children were examined, including 56 children with acute bronchitis, 73 with recurrent bronchitis, 103 with community-acquired pneumonia. The control group included 31 apparently healthy children of the same age and sex. Used: conventional paraclinical and laboratory-instrumental methods, etiological verification of viruses and bacteria, colonization index and artificial colonization of buccal epitheliocytes, antiadhesive activity of saliva. Results. 64.38% of children with recurrent bronchitis and 72.82% of children with community-acquired pneumonia were born from an aggravated pregnancy and already at 3 months had signs of acute respiratory diseases. Viral antigens were detected in 63.36% of children. An inverse relationship was found between the indicators of artificial colonization and adhesion of Candida albicans on buccal epithelial cells — the lower the values of artificial colonization, the more often pneumonia and recurrent bronchitis were recorded. A significant decrease in saliva antiadhesion was found in recurrent bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia, significantly different not only from the control, but also from patients with acute bronchitis. This contingent of patients finds itself in extremely unfavorable conditions due to the disruption of the adaptive reserves of the mucosal defense of the body. Conclusion. A decrease in the index of colonization, antiadhesive activity of saliva against the background of increasing parameters of artificial colonization in children with recurrent bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia indicate deep dysbiosis. The high significance of screening approaches in assessing the homeostatic resources of mucosal protection of the oral cavity in children with bronchopulmonary pathology has been proven.