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Mucosal Environment Induces Phage Susceptibility in Streptococcus mutans
Lotta-Riina Sundberg1, Noora Rantanen1, Gabriel Magno de Freitas Almeida2
1Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
PHAGE (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
|February 16, 2023
Summary
The mucosal environment significantly impacts Streptococcus mutans growth and phage interactions. Mucin supplementation boosted bacterial survival but reduced biofilm formation and altered phage susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Virology
Background:
- Pathogenic bacteria utilize mucosal surfaces for host entry.
- Understanding phage-bacterium interactions within mucosal environments is crucial but limited.
- Streptococcus mutans, a key player in dental caries, is a relevant model organism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the mucosal environment on Streptococcus mutans growth characteristics.
- To analyze how the mucosal environment affects phage-bacterium interactions with S. mutans.
- To determine the role of mucin in S. mutans growth, biofilm formation, and phage susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Supplementation of bacterial growth media with mucin.
- Assessment of Streptococcus mutans growth, survival, and biofilm formation.
- Quantification of phage M102 replication and titers in the presence of mucin.
Main Results:
- Mucin supplementation enhanced S. mutans growth and survival.
- Mucin decreased S. mutans biofilm formation.
- Mucin significantly altered S. mutans phage susceptibility, with increased phage replication observed under specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- The mucosal environment plays a critical role in modulating S. mutans growth and phage interactions.
- Mucin influences bacterial behavior and phage sensitivity, impacting potential phage therapy efficacy.
- Further research into mucosal environment effects on phage-bacterium dynamics is essential.
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