Microbial Changes occurring during oronasal fistula wound healing

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Wound Healing
• Oral Health

Background:

• The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease, yet superficial oral wounds heal efficiently.
• Oropharyngeal fistulas (ONFs), often resulting from cleft palate surgery, present significant wound healing challenges due to oral and nasal microbiome interaction.

Approach:

• This study investigated oral microbiome alterations in mice with experimentally induced ONFs.
• The impact of oral antibiotics and the beneficial microbe Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris (LLC) on ONF healing and microbiome composition was assessed.

Key Points:

• ONF creation led to decreased oral microbiome diversity and blooms of opportunistic bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis.
• Antibiotic treatment reduced pathogen blooms but did not improve ONF healing.
• Delivery of LLC via a hydrogel promoted rapid ONF healing, maintained microbiome diversity, and suppressed opportunistic pathogens.

Conclusions:

• A freshly inflicted ONF induces oral dysbiosis, hindering wound healing and promoting pathogen growth.
• Targeted delivery of beneficial microbes like LLC can restore oral microbiome balance and enhance ONF healing.