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Coaggregation profiles of the microflora from root surface caries lesions
S Shen1, L P Samaranayake, H-K Yip
1Oral Bio-sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Archives of Oral Biology
|December 16, 2004
Summary
Bacterial coaggregation, crucial in dental plaque, was studied in root caries. Certain bacteria like Actinomyces and Fusobacterium species showed significant interactions, highlighting their role in root caries development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Dental Research
Background:
- Bacterial coaggregation and autoaggregation are key to dental plaque and biofilm formation.
- Limited data exists on coaggregation patterns of microbial isolates from root caries lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate coaggregation reactions among microbial isolates from root caries.
- To determine the role of specific bacterial species in root caries pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed coaggregation of 22 wild-type microbial species (10 bacterial genera, 1 Candida spp.) using visual and spectrophotometric methods.
- Employed scanning electron microscopy to visualize adhesive patterns in strong coaggregating pairs.
Main Results:
- Quantitative assay was more sensitive than visual evaluation for measuring coaggregation.
- Fusobacterium nucleatum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus bovis II/2, and Gemella morbillorum exhibited high autoaggregation.
- Significant inter-species coaggregation observed between Actinomyces spp. and Veillonella spp., among others. Candida albicans showed minimal coaggregation.
Conclusions:
- Multiple interactions between coaggregation-inducing bacteria in root caries are implied.
- Actinomyces spp., Veillonella spp., Prevotella spp., and Fusobacterium spp. appear to be significant players in root caries development.