Increased

Rationale: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the lung disease associated with premature birth, is a significant health problem, often with long-term respiratory consequences. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of the lung and gut microbiome in the development and progression of BPD, yet it is unclear what aspects of the microbiome may contribute to BPD susceptibility. Objectives: To comprehensively characterize the lung and gut microbiomes of preterm infants and identify shared microbial taxa that are associated with BPD development. Methods: Tracheal aspirate and stool samples were collected from 39 premature infants over the first month of life. To assess the taxonomic microbial composition of the lung and gut, samples were analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. BPD classification was determined using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development severity-based definition at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Measurements and Main Results: Microbial communities of the lung and gut were significantly different between infants who went on to develop BPD and those who did not, with an enrichment of skin-associated microbial genera such as Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that certain microbial colonization patterns among premature infants are closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of BPD.