Fig. 1

Overview of the extended bacterial culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing protocols. COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; DNA: DesoxyriboNucleic Acid; FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s; FVC: Forced Vital Capacity; MALDI-TOF: Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight; PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction; rRNA: ribosomal RiboNucleic Acid. Created with BioRender®.