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Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

[Analysis of oral microflora early colonized in infants]

Jing Zou1, Xue-dong Zhou, Shao-min Li

  • 1Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi = Huaxi Kouqiang Yixue Zazhi = West China Journal of Stomatology
|June 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Early infant oral microflora is dominated by Streptococcus species, with Veillonella and Actinomyces appearing later. The diversity and quantity of oral microbes increase significantly as infants grow.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Oral Biology

Background:

  • The early colonization of oral microflora in infants is crucial for oral health development.
  • Understanding the dynamic changes in microbial communities is essential for identifying potential health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To track the dynamic changes in oral microflora during early infancy.
  • To identify the predominant and emerging microbial species in a cohort of healthy neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Oral swab samples collected from 12 neonates at birth and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
  • Microbial cultures performed under aerobic, facultative anaerobic, and anaerobic conditions.
  • Strain identification using colony characteristics, Gram staining, and biochemical tests.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus mitis were the most frequent early colonizers.
  • Veillonella spp. were detected by 1 month, and Actinomyces odontolyticus by 3 months.
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus showed low prevalence, while Leptotrichia buccalis and Capnocytophaga spp. appeared in some dentate infants.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus species are dominant in infant oral cavities, with Veillonella spp. being the earliest anaerobic colonizers.
  • Actinomyces odontolyticus represents the first detected actinomycete in this population.
  • Both the diversity and abundance of oral microflora increase significantly with infant age.
Abstract

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