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Proteolytic activity of mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas isolated freshly from human saliva
Abstract:
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma strains freshly isolated from human saliva were examined for proteolytic activity. All the strains tested (101 strains of Mycoplasma salivarium, 97 strains of Mycoplasma orale, and 3 strains each of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum) decomposed horse serum proteins, bovine albumin, and casein. Ten of the M. salivarium and 8 of the M. orale strains were tested for aminopeptidase activity as well, using L-leucine-p-nitroanilide as a substrate, and were shown to possess the activity. Thus proteolytic activity was suggested to be one of the biological characteristics of these two species. The level of both caseinolytic and aminopeptidase activity was significantly higher in M. salivarium than M. orale strains.
Insights
Proteolytic activity is a key characteristic of Mycoplasma salivarium and Mycoplasma orale found in human saliva. These bacteria effectively decompose proteins, with higher activity observed in Mycoplasma salivarium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral microbiome research
- Bacterial enzyme activity
Background:
- Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are common oral bacteria.
- Their biological characteristics, including enzymatic activity, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proteolytic activity of human saliva-isolated Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma strains.
- To determine if proteolytic activity is a significant biological characteristic of these species.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Mycoplasma salivarium, Mycoplasma orale, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum from human saliva.
- Assay of proteolytic activity against horse serum proteins, bovine albumin, and casein.
- Assessment of aminopeptidase activity using L-leucine-p-nitroanilide substrate.
Main Results:
- All tested strains of Mycoplasma salivarium, Mycoplasma orale, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum demonstrated proteolytic activity.
- Significant caseinolytic and aminopeptidase activity was detected in Mycoplasma salivarium and Mycoplasma orale.
- Mycoplasma salivarium exhibited higher levels of both caseinolytic and aminopeptidase activity compared to Mycoplasma orale.
Conclusions:
- Proteolytic activity is a notable biological characteristic of Mycoplasma salivarium and Mycoplasma orale.
- Mycoplasma salivarium displays a more pronounced proteolytic and aminopeptidase activity than Mycoplasma orale.
- These findings contribute to understanding the enzymatic capabilities of oral Mycoplasma species.