Role of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Coaggregation in Anaerobe Survival in Planktonic and Biofilm Oral Microbial Communities during Aeration

ABSTRACT Coaggregation is a well-characterized phenomenon by which specific pairs of oral bacteria interact physically. The aim of this study was to examine the patterns of coaggregation between obligately anaerobic and oxygen-tolerant species that coexist in a model oral microbial community. Obligate anaerobes other than Fusobacterium nucleatum coaggregated only poorly with oxygen-tolerant species. In contrast, F. nucleatum was able to coaggregate not only with both oxygen-tolerant and other obligately anaerobic species but also with otherwise-noncoaggregating obligate anaerobe–oxygen-tolerant species pairs. The effects of the presence or absence of F. nucleatum on anaerobe survival in both the biofilm and planktonic phases of a complex community of oral bacteria grown in an aerated (gas phase, 200 ml of 5% CO2 in air · min−1) chemostat system were then investigated. In the presence of F. nucleatum, anaerobes persisted in high numbers (>107 · ml−1 in the planktonic phase and >107 · cm−2 in 4-day biofilms). In an equivalent culture in the absence of F. nucleatum, the numbers of black-pigmented anaerobes (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella nigrescens) were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.001) in both the planktonic phase and in 4-day biofilms, while the numbers of facultatively anaerobic bacteria increased in these communities. Coaggregation-mediated interactions between F. nucleatum and other species facilitated the survival of obligate anaerobes in aerated environments.

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Central Role of the Early Colonizer Veillonella sp. in Establishing Multispecies Biofilm Communities with Initial, Middle, and Late Colonizers of Enamel

Journal of Bacteriology ◽

10.1128/jb.01631-09 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 192 (12) ◽

pp. 2965-2972 ◽

Cited By ~ 89

Author(s):

Saravanan Periasamy ◽

Paul E. Kolenbrander

Keyword(s):

Lactic Acid ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Single Species ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Flow Cells ◽

Significant Growth ◽

Dental Biofilm ◽

Antibody Staining

ABSTRACT Human dental biofilm communities comprise several species, which can interact cooperatively or competitively. Bacterial interactions influence biofilm formation, metabolic changes, and physiological function of the community. Lactic acid, a common metabolite of oral bacteria, was measured in the flow cell effluent of one-, two- and three-species communities growing on saliva as the sole nutritional source. We investigated single-species and multispecies colonization by using known initial, early, middle, and late colonizers of enamel. Fluorescent-antibody staining and image analysis were used to quantify the biomass in saliva-fed flow cells. Of six species tested, only the initial colonizer Actinomyces oris exhibited significant growth. The initial colonizer Streptococcus oralis produced lactic acid but showed no significant growth. The early colonizer Veillonella sp. utilized lactic acid in two- and three-species biofilm communities. The biovolumes of all two-species biofilms increased when Veillonella sp. was present as one of the partners, indicating that this early colonizer promotes mutualistic community development. All three-species combinations exhibited enhanced growth except one, i.e., A. oris, Veillonella sp., and the middle colonizer Porphyromonas gingivalis, indicating specificity among three-species communities. Further specificity was seen when Fusobacterium nucleatum (a middle colonizer), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (a late colonizer), and P. gingivalis did not grow with S. oralis in two-species biofilms, but inclusion of Veillonella sp. resulted in growth of all three-species combinations. We propose that commensal veillonellae use lactic acid for growth in saliva and that they communicate metabolically with initial, early, middle, and late colonizers to establish multispecies communities on enamel.

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Characteristics of a novel, anaerobic, mycoplasma-like bacterium from Ace Lake, Antarctica

Antarctic Science ◽

10.1017/s0954102092000245 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 155-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

P.D. Franzmann ◽

M. Rohde

Keyword(s):

Anaerobic Bacterium ◽

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Optimum Temperature ◽

Obligately Anaerobic ◽

A Cell ◽

Large Genome Size ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Pass Through

An obligately anaerobic bacterium that lacked a cell wall was isolated from the hypolimnion of Ace Lake, Antarctica. Cells were very pleomorphic, forming cocci, filaments up to 25 μm in length, and annular shapes. The organism was morphologically very similar to some members of the class Mollicutes which contains two genera of obligately anaerobic bacteria, Anaeroplasma and Asteroleplasma. Like members of the class, the isolate was resistant to high concentrations of penicillin (1000 Units ml-1). Similar to Anaeroplasma, the organism had a low DNA G+C content (29.3±0.4) and produced hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, lactic acid and succinic acid from the fermentation of glucose. However, the taxonomic status of the strain remained unclear as, unlike members of the class Mollicutes, the isolate had a relatively large genome size (2.26±0.11 × 109 daltons), did not pass through 0.45 μm pore size filters, and did not form typical mycoplasma-like colonies. The organism was psychrophilic with an optimum temperature for growth between 12°C and 13°C. A phenotypic description of the organism is given and the ecological role of the organism is inferred from its phenotype and the characteristics of its Antarctic habitat.

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TGF-β1 Inhibits TLR-mediated Odontoblast Responses to Oral Bacteria

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/0022034509334846 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 88 (4) ◽

pp. 333-338 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

O.V. Horst ◽

K.A. Tompkins ◽

S.R. Coats ◽

P.H. Braham ◽

R.P. Darveau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Surface ◽

Tissue Repair ◽

Lactobacillus Casei ◽

Tooth Development ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Poor Response ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Cellular Processes ◽

Tgf Β1

TGF-β1 exerts diverse functions in tooth development and tissue repair, but its role in microbial defenses of the tooth is not well-understood. Odontoblasts extending their cellular processes into the dentin are the first cells to recognize signals from TGF-β1 and bacteria in carious dentin. This study aimed to determine the role of TGF-β1 in modulating odontoblast responses to oral bacteria. We show that these responses depend upon the expression levels of microbial recognition receptors TLR2 and TLR4 on the cell surface. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum activated both TLRs, but TLR4 played a greater role. Lack of cell-surface TLR2 was associated with poor response to Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Lactobacillus casei. TGF-β1 inhibited TLR2 and TLR4 expression and attenuated odontoblast responses. Our findings suggest that the balance between TLR-mediated inflammation and TGF-β1 anti-inflammatory activity plays an important role in pulpal inflammation.

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Subgingival bacterial microbiota associated with ovine periodontitis

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5913 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (7) ◽

pp. 454-459

Author(s):

Natália S. Silva ◽

Ana Carolina Borsanelli ◽

Elerson Gaetti-Jardim Júnior ◽

Christiane Marie Schweitzer ◽

José Alcides S. Silveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Periodontal Pocket ◽

Susceptible Host ◽

Gram Negative ◽

Campylobacter Rectus ◽

Prevotella Nigrescens ◽

Bacterial Microbiota ◽

Severe Periodontitis ◽

Healthy Sheep

ABSTRACT: Periodontitis is an inflammatory response in a susceptible host caused by complex microbiota, predominantly composed of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. Aiming to characterize the subgingival bacterial microbiota associated with ovine periodontitis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in subgingival periodontal pocket samples of 14 sheep with severe periodontitis and in subgingival sulcus biofilm of 14 periodontally healthy sheep in search mainly of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms considered important periodontopathogens. The most prevalent bacteria in the sheep with periodontal lesions were Tannerella forsythia (78.6%), Treponema denticola (78.6%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (64.3%), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (50%), whereas in the healthy sheep, F. nucleatum (42.8%) was the most often detected bacterium. Statistically significant differences were observed for Campylobacter rectus, Enterococcus faecium, Prevotella nigrescens, T. forsythia, and T. denticola (p<0.05) in the sheep with periodontitis in the comparison between groups. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Porphyromonas gulae were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. In conclusion, C. rectus, E. faecium, P. nigrescens, T. forsythia, and T. denticola were associated with severe lesions caused by ovine periodontitis, and F. nucleatum was the most prevalent microorganism in the subgengival sulcus biofilm of healthy sheep.

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In situ Biofilm Formation by Multi-species Oral Bacteria Under Flowing and Anaerobic Conditions

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/154405910408301013 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 83 (10) ◽

pp. 802-806 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

S.K. Filoche ◽

M. Zhu ◽

C.D. Wu

Keyword(s):

Biofilm Formation ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Image Analysis System ◽

Anaerobic Conditions ◽

Planktonic Phase ◽

Bacterial Aggregates ◽

Analysis System

An understanding of biofilm behavior of periodontopathic bacteria is key to the development of effective oral therapies. We hypothesized that interspecies bacterial aggregates play an important role in anaerobic biofilm establishment and proliferation, and contribute to the survivability of the biofilm against therapeutic agents. The system developed in this study assessed a multi-species ( Streptococcus gordonii, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum) biofilm formation under anaerobic and flowing conditions with the use of an in situ image analysis system. The biofilm was comprised of a base film of non-aggregated cells and complex interspecies aggregates that formed in the planktonic phase which rapidly colonized the surface, reaching 58 ± 9% and 65 ± 11.8% coverage by 5 and 24 hrs, respectively. Upon SDS (0.1%) treatment of a 24-hour biofilm, substantial detachment (55 ± 14%, P < 0.05) of the aggregates was observed, while the base film bacteria remained attached but non-viable. Rapid re-establishment of the biofilm occurred via attachment of viable planktonic aggregates.

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Metabolic and Community Synergy of Oral Bacteria in Colorectal Cancer

mSphere ◽

10.1128/msphere.00102-16 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Kaitlin J. Flynn ◽

Nielson T. Baxter ◽

Patrick D. Schloss

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Oral Microbiota ◽

Community Members ◽

Content Type ◽

Bacterial Physiology ◽

Oral Biofilms ◽

Two Factors

ABSTRACT The oral periodontopathic bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum has been repeatedly associated with colorectal tumors. Molecular analysis has identified specific virulence factors that promote tumorigenesis in the colon. However, other oral community members, such as members of the Porphyromonas spp., are also found with F. nucleatum on colonic tumors, and thus, narrow studies of individual pathogens do not take community-wide virulence properties into account. A broader view of oral bacterial physiology and pathogenesis identifies two factors that could promote colonization and persistence of oral bacterial communities in the colon. The polymicrobial nature of oral biofilms and the asaccharolytic metabolism of many of these species make them well suited to life in the microenvironment of colonic lesions. Consideration of these two factors offers a novel perspective on the role of oral microbiota in the initiation, development, and treatment of colorectal cancer.

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The Role of Oral Microbiota in Intra-Oral Halitosis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9082484 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 2484 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Katarzyna Hampelska ◽

Marcelina Maria Jaworska ◽

Zuzanna Łucja Babalska ◽

Tomasz M. Karpiński

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Sulfide ◽

Dimethyl Sulfide ◽

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Dimethyl Disulfide ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Oral Microbiota ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

Aldehydes And Ketones ◽

Common Ailment

Halitosis is a common ailment concerning 15% to 60% of the human population. Halitosis can be divided into extra-oral halitosis (EOH) and intra-oral halitosis (IOH). The IOH is formed by volatile compounds, which are produced mainly by anaerobic bacteria. To these odorous substances belong volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), aromatic compounds, amines, short-chain fatty or organic acids, alcohols, aliphatic compounds, aldehydes, and ketones. The most important VSCs are hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and methyl mercaptan. VSCs can be toxic for human cells even at low concentrations. The oral bacteria most related to halitosis are Actinomyces spp., Bacteroides spp., Dialister spp., Eubacterium spp., Fusobacterium spp., Leptotrichia spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Porphyromonas spp., Prevotella spp., Selenomonas spp., Solobacterium spp., Tannerella forsythia, and Veillonella spp. Most bacteria that cause halitosis are responsible for periodontitis, but they can also affect the development of oral and digestive tract cancers. Malodorous agents responsible for carcinogenesis are hydrogen sulfide and acetaldehyde.

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The “Vitaminic-strategy” Against the Oral Bacteria S. Mutans and F. Nucleatum, Agents of Caries and Halitosis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-892470/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Laura Pietrangelo ◽

Irene Magnifico ◽

Giulio Petronio Petronio ◽

Marco Alfio Cutuli ◽

Noemi Venditti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Periodontal Diseases ◽

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Sulphur Compounds ◽

Oral Biofilms ◽

Oral Preparation ◽

Soft Tissue Inflammation

Abstract BackgroundThe oral cavity is one of the most complex human body environments. Indeed, the continuous variation of this habitat conditions reflects the high dynamism of the resident microbial community. Two key actors in the oral diseases are the bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum, both implicated in the formation of oral biofilms and consequently in the generation of common pathologies such as caries and various gingival and soft tissue inflammation diseases. In addition, F. nucleatum is also implicated in the halitosis phenomenon, thanks to its demonstrated ability to produce as second metabolite the hydrogen sulphide (H2S), one of the volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) that, with methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) and the dimethyl sulphide (CH3SCH3)24, is produced by periodontopathic anaerobic bacteria and causes the awkward bad breath in halitosis patients.MethodsIn this study, the oral preparation Vea® Oris constituted only by vitamin E and capric/caprylic acid was evaluated as a potential treatment of caries and periodontal diseases; the effect of the product at different concentrations on the growth and the ability of both strains to form biofilm was investigated. Regarding to F. nucleatum also the influence of Vea® Oris on the production of H2S was evaluated. ResultsOur in vitro results suggested that the Vea® Oris treatment could considerably reduce the growth and biofilm formation of both S. mutans and F. nucleatum. For F. nucleatum an appreciable reduction of the H2S production can be also obtained. ConclusionsOverall, this study highlighted the potential of Vea® Oris as a more “natural” adjuvant to prevent the biofilm and plaque formation and to reduce the smelly odour of halitosis.

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The Role of Periodontopathogens and Oral Microbiome in the Progression of Oral Cancer. A Review

The Open Dentistry Journal ◽

10.2174/1874210602115010367 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 367-376

Author(s):

Julián F. Beltran ◽

SM Viafara-Garcia ◽

Alberto P. Labrador ◽

Johan Basterrechea

Keyword(s):

Periodontal Disease ◽

Cell Cancer ◽

Bacterial Chemotaxis ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Oral Bacteria ◽

Oral Microbiome ◽

Chronic Periodontal Disease ◽

Oral Squamous Cell Cancer ◽

The Relationship

Chronic periodontal disease and oral bacteria dysbiosis can lead to the accumulation of genetic mutations that eventually stimulate Oral Squamous Cell Cancer (OSCC). The annual incidence of OSCC is increasing significantly, and almost half of the cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage. Worldwide there are more than 380,000 new cases diagnosed every year, and a topic of extensive research in the last few years is the alteration of oral bacteria, their compositional changes and microbiome. This review aims to establish the relationship between bacterial dysbiosis and OSCC. Several bacteria implicated in periodontal disease, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and some Streptococcus species, promote angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and alteration in the host defense process; these same bacteria have been present in different stages of OSCC. Our review showed that genes involved in bacterial chemotaxis, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the cell wall membrane of gram negatives bacteria, were significantly increased in patients with OSCC. Additionally, some bacterial diversity, particularly with Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria species, has been identified in pre-cancerous stage samples. This review suggests the importance of an early diagnosis and more comprehensive periodontal therapy for patients by the dental care professional.

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Determination of the Role of Fusobacterium Nucleatum in the Pathogenesis in and Out the Mouth

PRILOZI ◽

10.2478/prilozi-2020-0026 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 87-99

Author(s):

Urim Tefiku ◽

Mirjana Popovska ◽

Amella Cana ◽

Lindita Zendeli-Bedxeti ◽

Bilbil Recica ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oral Cavity ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Fatal Outcome ◽

Anaerobic Bacteria ◽

Fusobacterium Nucleatum ◽

Aggressive Periodontitis ◽

Original Research ◽

Inflammatory Conditions ◽

Risk Pregnancy

AbstractIntroduction: One of the most important types of microorganisms in the oral cavity in both healthy and non-healthy individuals is Fusobacterium nucleatum. Although present as a normal resident in the oral cavity, this Gram-negative pathogen is dominant in periodontal disease and it is involved in many invasive infections in the population, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as many adverse events with a fatal outcome.Aim: To determine the role of F. nucleatum in the development of polymicrobial biofilms thus pathogenic changes in and out of the oral media.Material and method: A systematic review of the literature concerning the determination and role of F. nucleatum through available clinical trials, literature reviews, original research and articles published electronically at Pub Med and Google Scholar.Conclusion: The presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum is commonly associated with the health status of individuals. These anaerobic bacteria plays a key role in oral pathological conditions and has been detected in many systemic disorders causing complex pathogenethic changes probably due to binding ability to various cells thus several virulence mechanisms.Most common diseases and conditions in the oral cavity associated with F.nucleatum are gingivitis (G), chronic periodontitis (CH), aggressive periodontitis (AgP), endo-periodental infections (E-P), chronic apical periodontitis (PCHA). The bacterium has been identified and detected in many systemic disorders such as coronary heart disease (CVD) pathological pregnancy (P); polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high-risk pregnancy (HRP), colorectal cancer (CRC); pre-eclampsia (PE); rheumatoid arthritis (RA); osteoarthritis (OA).

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