Airway Microbiome of Patients With Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis

This observational study is exploring the relationship between the types of bacteria and viruses living in the airways of young children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) — a condition characterized by a persistent cough lasting more than four weeks — and how the immune system responds to these microorganisms. Researchers are also studying how the antibiotic azithromycin, used to treat PBB, affects the airway microbiome over time. Children under 5 years old diagnosed with PBB at the University Hospital of Antwerp in Belgium may be eligible, unless they have HIV, asthma, or had serious infections or antibiotics in the previous three months. Participation involves providing oropharyngeal swab samples (throat swabs) at routine clinic visits over one year, including during any flare-ups. This summary was prepared to help patients understand the study in plain language.