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Bacteroides gingivalis vesicles bind to and aggregate Actinomyces viscosus
Infection and Immunity
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Bacteroides gingivalis vesicles aggregate Actinomyces species and bind to surfaces. These vesicles interfere with B. gingivalis whole cell adherence to pretreated surfaces, suggesting a role in oral biofilm formation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Biology
- Bacterial Interactions
Background:
- Bacteroides gingivalis (Porphyromonas gingivalis) is a key pathogen in periodontitis.
- Bacterial vesicles play roles in interspecies communication and biofilm development.
- Actinomyces species are early colonizers in dental plaque.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of Bacteroides gingivalis vesicles with Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii.
- To determine the binding characteristics of B. gingivalis vesicles to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (SHA).
- To assess the effect of B. gingivalis vesicles on the adherence of B. gingivalis whole cells.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Bacteroides gingivalis 2561 vesicles.
- Aggregation assays with Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii.
- Binding studies of tritiated vesicles to SHA and A. viscosus-coated SHA.
- Adherence inhibition assays using B. gingivalis whole cells.
Main Results:
- B. gingivalis vesicles aggregated A. viscosus and A. naeslundii.
- Vesicles localized near the cell walls and surface fibrils of A. viscosus.
- Tritiated vesicles showed preferential binding to SHA compared to A. viscosus-coated SHA.
- Pre-incubation with vesicles reduced subsequent adherence of B. gingivalis whole cells to A. viscosus-coated SHA.
Conclusions:
- Bacteroides gingivalis vesicles interact with and aggregate Actinomyces species.
- These vesicles exhibit specific binding properties to coated surfaces.
- B. gingivalis vesicles can inhibit the adherence of whole cells, potentially influencing oral biofilm structure and pathogenicity.