Dental calculus as a proxy for animal microbiomes

Area of Science:

• Paleogenomics
• Microbiome Research
• Veterinary Epidemiology

Background:

• Dental calculus research has surged, driven by human genomics and oral pathogen studies.
• Limited progress exists in understanding oral pathogen distribution in domestic and wild animal populations.
• Animal oral microbiomes are crucial for zoonotic disease transmission research, especially with human-wildlife proximity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze published oral microbiome data from ancient animal skeletal remains (Mammalia class).
• To explore oral ecology diversity across mammalian species at the genus level.
• To discuss challenges and future directions in animal dental calculus research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published oral microbiome data from animal skeletal remains.
• Genus-level analysis of ancient oral microbiomes.
• Comparative analysis of oral ecology diversity across host species.

Main Results:

• Significant oral ecology diversity was observed across mammals, with clustering primarily by host species.
• Genus-level analysis provided a broader understanding of mammalian oral microbiomes.
• Identified limitations in species-level analysis of ancient animal oral microbiomes.

Conclusions:

• Ancient animal dental calculus offers insights into mammalian oral microbiome diversity.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and knowledge gaps in animal dental calculus studies.
• Understanding animal oral microbiomes is vital for assessing zoonotic disease potential.