RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The contribution of infection and the respiratory microbiome in acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis JF European Respiratory Review JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW FD European Respiratory Society SP 190045 DO 10.1183/16000617.0045-2019 VO 28 IS 152 A1 Rachele Invernizzi A1 Philip L. Molyneaux YR 2019 UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/28/152/190045.abstract AB Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) arises in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of an aberrant wound-healing response following repetitive alveolar injury. The clinical course of the disease remains both variable and unpredictable with periods of more rapid decline, termed acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF), often punctuating the disease trajectory. Exacerbations carry a significant morbidity and mortality, and their exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Given the emerging evidence that disruption and alteration in the lung microbiome plays a role in the pathogenesis and progression of IPF, this review discusses the current knowledge of the contribution of infection and the respiratory microbiome to AE-IPF.Microbial dysbosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of IPF and further changes occur during acute exacerbations despite exclusion of overt infection. http://bit.ly/2MQkfBN