Predominance of non-Streptococcus mutans bacteria in dental biofilm and its relation to caries progression

Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), mainly the insoluble ones, increase the cariogenicity of dental biofilm, but whether they interfere with the binding and retention of fluoride is unknown. EPS-rich (EPS+) and EPS-poor (EPS–) pellets of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> were formed and treated with increasing fluoride concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 mM). A concentration-dependent fluoride binding was observed in both EPS– and EPS+ pellets, but the presence of EPS did not affect the retention of fluoride in the pellets. In conclusion, the data suggest that a matrix of dental biofilm rich in EPS does not affect fluoride retention in the biofilm.

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Trk2 Potassium Transport System in Streptococcus mutans and Its Role in Potassium Homeostasis, Biofilm Formation, and Stress Tolerance

Journal of Bacteriology ◽

10.1128/jb.00813-15 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 198 (7) ◽

pp. 1087-1100 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Gursonika Binepal ◽

Kamal Gill ◽

Paula Crowley ◽

Martha Cordova ◽

L. Jeannine Brady ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stress Tolerance ◽

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Transport System ◽

Biofilm Formation ◽

Cellular Response ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Transport Systems ◽

Content Type ◽

Growth And Survival ◽

Dental Biofilm

ABSTRACTPotassium (K+) is the most abundant cation in the fluids of dental biofilm. The biochemical and biophysical functions of K+and a variety of K+transport systems have been studied for most pathogenic bacteria but not for oral pathogens. In this study, we establish the modes of K+acquisition inStreptococcus mutansand the importance of K+homeostasis for its virulence attributes. TheS. mutansgenome harbors four putative K+transport systems that included two Trk-like transporters (designated Trk1 and Trk2), one glutamate/K+cotransporter (GlnQHMP), and a channel-like K+transport system (Kch). Mutants lacking Trk2 had significantly impaired growth, acidogenicity, aciduricity, and biofilm formation. [K+] less than 5 mM eliminated biofilm formation inS. mutans. The functionality of the Trk2 system was confirmed by complementing anEscherichia coliTK2420 mutant strain, which resulted in significant K+accumulation, improved growth, and survival under stress. Taken together, these results suggest that Trk2 is the main facet of the K+-dependent cellular response ofS. mutansto environment stresses.IMPORTANCEBiofilm formation and stress tolerance are important virulence properties of caries-causingStreptococcus mutans. To limit these properties of this bacterium, it is imperative to understand its survival mechanisms. Potassium is the most abundant cation in dental plaque, the natural environment ofS. mutans. K+is known to function in stress tolerance, and bacteria have specialized mechanisms for its uptake. However, there are no reports to identify or characterize specific K+transporters inS. mutans. We identified the most important system for K+homeostasis and its role in the biofilm formation, stress tolerance, and growth. We also show the requirement of environmental K+for the activity of biofilm-forming enzymes, which explains why such high levels of K+would favor biofilm formation.

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Function-adaptive clustered nanoparticles reverse Streptococcus mutans dental biofilm and maintain microbiota balance

Communications Biology ◽

10.1038/s42003-021-02372-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fatemeh Ostadhossein ◽

Parikshit Moitra ◽

Esra Altun ◽

Debapriya Dutta ◽

Dinabandhu Sar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Bacterial Species ◽

Reactive Oxygen Species Generation ◽

Biofilm Inhibition ◽

16S Rrna Analysis ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Dental Plaques

AbstractDental plaques are biofilms that cause dental caries by demineralization with acidogenic bacteria. These bacteria reside inside a protective sheath which makes any curative treatment challenging. We propose an antibiotic-free strategy to disrupt the biofilm by engineered clustered carbon dot nanoparticles that function in the acidic environment of the biofilms. In vitro and ex vivo studies on the mature biofilms of Streptococcus mutans revealed >90% biofilm inhibition associated with the contact-mediated interaction of nanoparticles with the bacterial membrane, excessive reactive oxygen species generation, and DNA fragmentation. An in vivo examination showed that these nanoparticles could effectively suppress the growth of S. mutans. Importantly, 16S rRNA analysis of the dental microbiota showed that the diversity and richness of bacterial species did not substantially change with nanoparticle treatment. Overall, this study presents a safe and effective approach to decrease the dental biofilm formation without disrupting the ecological balance of the oral cavity.

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The anti-adherence effect of Lippia sidoides Cham: extract against microorganisms of dental biofilm

Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais ◽

10.1590/s1516-05722013000100005 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 41-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

A.C.L. Albuquerque ◽

M.S.V. Pereira ◽

D.F. Silva ◽

L.F. Pereira ◽

F.A.C. Viana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Tooth Surface ◽

Bacterial Strains ◽

Lippia Sidoides ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Scientific Exploration ◽

Infectious Origin ◽

In Vitro Simulation

Most illnesses affecting the oral cavity are proven to have infectious origin. Several categories of chemical agents have been used in the chemical control of dental biofilm through strategies that aim at reducing bacterial adhesion and inhibiting the growth and the proliferation of microorganisms on the tooth surface. The use of plants in folk medicine and in Dentistry, as well as the spread of successful cases, has led to scientific exploration, resulting in chemical-pharmacological knowledge of thousands of plants. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-adherence activity of Lippia sidoides Cham., comparing the results with those of 0.12% chlorhexidine by means of an in vitro simulation of dental biofilm. The studied bacterial strains were Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus casei, main responsible for the biofilm adherence. The studied extract was effective in inhibiting the adherence of Streptococcus mutans up to a concentration of 1:16, compared to Chlorhexidine. Lippia sidoides Cham extract showed anti-adherence effect on the major microorganisms responsible for dental biofilm consolidation.

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Molecular characterization of Streptococcus mutans gtfB gene isolated from families

Revista Odonto Ciência ◽

10.15448/1980-6523.2018.1.29727 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 40

Author(s):

Monica Moreira ◽

Mariana Machado Fidelis do Nascimento ◽

Mariane Moreira Poletto ◽

Débora Do Rocio Kliisiowicz ◽

Renata Rodrigues Gomes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Dental Enamel ◽

Extracellular Polysaccharides ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Partial Sequencing ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Potential Marker ◽

Random Amplification ◽

Genetic Pattern

OBJECTIVE: Caries is a multifactorial infectious disease and the main etiological agent is the bacteria Streptococcus mutans due to its virulence factors, which enable the adherence to dental enamel and favours the formation of dental biofilm through the production of extracellular polysaccharides. The transmission of S. mutans can occur between people, often within families. The present study aimed to evaluate the intrafamily genetic pattern of S. mutans through partial sequencing of the gene that encodes the glucosyltransferase β (gtfB) enzyme.METHODS: We previously analyzed saliva samples from 40 individuals from nine families, and it was obtained 64 isolates biochemically characterized as S. mutans. The isolates were evaluated by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Those with greater similarity were characterized by partial sequence 16S rRNA gene and the gtfB gene sequencing.RESULTS: It was observed genetic similarity among strains isolated from individuals with caries activity; while isolates from individual without caries showed that they are genetically distinct, suggesting a different virulence pattern.CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrated that partial sequencing of the gtfB gene showed to be a potential marker to investigate genetic pattern and virulence of S. mutans, deserving further investigation in order to identify families at risk of caries.

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THE EFFECT OF CURCUMA XANTHORRHIZA ETHANOL EXTRACT ON THE VIABILITY OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND AGGREGATIBACTER ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS (DENTAL BIOFILM RESEARCH: IN VITRO STUDY)

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2017.v10s5.23087 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (17) ◽

pp. 30

Author(s):

Royan Diana ◽

Hedijanti Joenoes ◽

Ariadna A Djais

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Ethanol Extract ◽

Single Species ◽

Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans ◽

Vitro Study ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Curcuma Xanthorrhiza

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of Curcuma xanthrorrhiza ethanol extract to the viability of Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans using single- and dual-species biofilm at different phases of formation.Methods: Biofilm models were incubated for 4, 12, and 24 hrs, then exposed to the extract at a concentration of 0.525%.Results: The viability of the single-species S. mutans biofilm was low (p<0.05), and no significant difference (p>0.05) was found between singlespeciesA. actinomycetemcomitans and dual-species biofilm.Conclusions: Curcuma xanthorrhiza ethanol extract is more effective for decreasing the viability of single-species S. mutans biofilm.

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Competition and Caries on Enamel of a Dual-Species Biofilm Model with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.01262-20 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 86 (21) ◽

Author(s):

Natalia Díaz-Garrido ◽

Carla P. Lozano ◽

Jens Kreth ◽

Rodrigo A. Giacaman

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Single Species ◽

Viable Count ◽

Noncommunicable Disease ◽

Continuous Exposure ◽

Content Type ◽

Streptococcus Sanguinis ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Intense Competition ◽

Dental Surface

ABSTRACT Imbalances within the dental biofilm trigger dental caries, currently considered a dysbiosis and the most prevalent noncommunicable disease. There is still a gap in knowledge about the dynamics of enamel colonization by bacteria from the dental biofilm in caries. The aim, therefore, was to test whether the sequence of enamel colonization by a typically commensal and a cariogenic species modifies biofilm’s cariogenicity. Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis on saliva-coated enamel slabs were inoculated in different sequences: S. mutans followed by S. sanguinis (Sm-Ss), S. sanguinis followed by S. mutans (Ss-Sm), S. mutans and S. sanguinis inoculated at the same time (Sm=Ss), and the single-species controls S. mutans followed by S. mutans (Sm-Sm) and S. sanguinis followed by S. sanguinis (Ss-Ss). Biofilms were exposed to 10% sucrose 3 times per day for 5 days, and the slabs/biofilms were retrieved to assess demineralization, viable cells, biomass, proteins, polysaccharides, and H2O2 production. Compared with Sm-Sm, primary inoculation with S. sanguinis reduced demineralization (P < 0.05). Both Ss-Sm and Sm=Ss sequences showed reduction in biomass, protein, and polysaccharide content (P < 0.05). The highest S. sanguinis viable count and H2O2 production level and the lowest acidogenicity were observed when S. sanguinis colonized enamel before S. mutans (P < 0.05). Initial enamel adherence with commensal biofilms seems to induce more intense competition against more typically cariogenic species, reducing cariogenicity. IMPORTANCE The concept of caries as an ecological disease implies the understanding of the intricate relationships among the populating microorganisms. Under frequent sugar exposure, some bacteria from the dental biofilm develop pathogenic traits that lead to imbalances (dysbiosis). Depending on which microorganism colonizes the dental surface first, different competition strategies may be developed. Studying the interactions in the entire dental biofilm is not an easy task. In this study, therefore, we modeled the interplay among these microorganisms using a caries-inducing species (S. mutans) and a health-associated species (S. sanguinis). Initial enamel adherence with S. sanguinis seems to induce more intense competition against typically caries-inducing species. Besides continuous exposure with sugars, early colonization of the enamel by highly cariogenic species like S. mutans appears to be needed to develop caries lesions as well. Promoting early colonization by health-associated bacteria such as S. sanguinis could help to maintain oral health, delaying dysbiosis.

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Contribution of Streptococcus Mutans Virulence Factors and Saliva Agglutinating Capacity to Caries Susceptibility in Children: A Preliminary Study

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry ◽

10.17796/1053-4628-42.3.4 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 188-194 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eloa Ramalho de Camargo ◽

Jonas Bitencourt Canalle ◽

Rodriguo Capozzoli ◽

Tanila Wood dos Santos ◽

Margareth Bulhman Ballini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Virulence Factors ◽

Low Income ◽

Acid Tolerance ◽

Adhesive Properties ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Gene Coding ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

Low Income Families ◽

Caries Lesions

Background: Many factors contribute to caries development in humans, such as diet, host factors – including different saliva components – and the presence of acidogenic bacteria in the dental biofilm, particularly Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Despite the influence of S. mutans in caries, this bacterium is also prevalent among healthy individuals, suggesting the contribution of genetic variation on the cariogenic potential. Based on this hypothesis, the present work investigated the influence of S. mutans virulence factors and saliva agglutinating capacity on caries susceptibility in children. Study design: Saliva samples of 24 children from low income families (13 caries-free and 11 caries-active individuals) were collected and tested for their ability to agglutinate S. mutans. The bacteria were isolated from these samples and analyzed for the presence of the gene coding for mutacin IV (mut IV). Biofilm formation and acid tolerance were also investigated in both groups (caries-free and caries-active). Results: Saliva samples from caries-free children showed an increased capacity to agglutinate S. mutans (p=0.006). Also, bacteria isolated from the caries-free group formed less biofilm when compared to the caries-active group (p=0.04). The presence of mut IV gene did not differ between bacteria isolated from caries-free and caries-active individuals, nor did the ability to tolerate an acidic environment, which was the same for the two groups. Conclusions: Altogether, the results suggest that the adhesive properties of S. mutans and the agglutinating capacity of the saliva samples correlated with the presence of caries lesions in children.

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Genes involved in the repression of mutacin I production in Streptococcus mutans

Microbiology ◽

10.1099/mic.0.021303-0 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 155 (2) ◽

pp. 551-556 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Trang Nguyen ◽

Zhijun Zhang ◽

I-Hsiu Huang ◽

Chenggang Wu ◽

Justin Merritt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Sugar Transport ◽

Brain Heart Infusion ◽

Peptide Antibiotics ◽

Wild Type ◽

Surface Binding ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

In The Wild ◽

Positive Effect ◽

High Phosphate

Streptococcus mutans is considered a primary pathogen for human dental caries. Its ability to produce a variety of peptide antibiotics called mutacins may play an important role in its invasion and establishment in the dental biofilm. S. mutans strain UA140 produces two types of mutacins, the lantibiotic mutacin I and the non-lantibiotic mutacin IV. In a previous study, we constructed a random insertional-mutation library to screen for genes involved in regulating mutacin I production, and found 25 genes/operons that have a positive effect on mutacin I production. In this study, we continued our previous work to identify genes that are negatively involved in mutacin I production. By using a high-phosphate brain heart infusion agar medium that inhibited mutacin I production of the wild-type, we isolated 77 clones that consistently produced mutacin I under repressive conditions. From the 34 clones for which we were able to obtain a sequence, 17 unique genes were identified. These genes encompass a variety of functional groups, including central metabolism, surface binding and sugar transport, and unknown functions. Some of the 17 mutations were further characterized and shown to increase mutacin gene expression during growth when the gene is usually not expressed in the wild-type. These results further demonstrate an intimate and intricate connection between mutacin production and the overall cellular homeostasis.

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