Overall total bacterial 16S load measured in lung tissue using qPCR or ddPCR.

<p>A) qPCR results in controls, moderate COPD, and negative non-template controls (water negative). The total bacterial 16S load was significantly lower in negative controls compared with moderate COPD and control lung tissue. B) ddPCR results in controls, moderate COPD, and negative non-template controls. The total bacterial 16S load was significantly lower in negative controls compared with moderate COPD and control lung tissue.