Lower Airway Dysbiosis Augments Lung Inflammatory Injury in Mild-to-Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Cigarette smoke is a causative factor; however, not all heavy smokers develop COPD. Microbial colonization and infections are contributing factors to disease progression in advanced stages.