Exploring esophageal microbiomes in esophageal diseases: A systematic review

Studies that investigated esophageal microbiomes are limited when compared to those on intestinal microbiomes. Nevertheless, several studies have investigated the relationship between esophageal microbiomes and various esophageal diseases, owing to the advancement of next-generation sequencing techniques. Streptococcus is the most common bacterial taxon in a normal esophagus. Additionally, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Prevotella, and Veillonella are also found. However, gram-negative bacteria, including Prevotella, are more abundant in a diseased esophagus, such as in gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. This systematic review aims to summarize current evidences on esophageal microbiomes in various esophageal diseases.