Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci
Published on: January 25, 2011
Bacteriome-based oral dysbiosis index in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
David Szaraz1,2, Jan Bohm3, Ctirad Machacek2,4
1Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
Background:
Oral dysbiosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our study aimed to perform a pairwise comparison of the oral microbiota, especially the bacteriome, from OSCC tumoral surface vs other oral samples and evaluate the association of a novel bacteriome-based Oral Dysbiosis Index (bbODI) with the OSCC surface.
Materials And Methods:
This pilot observational study used 84 patient-matched samples from the OSCC tumoral surface (swabs and biopsies), healthy oral mucosa (tongue and buccal swabs), and supragingival dental plaque swabs. Bacteriomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The presence of microscopic fungi and selected viruses was also evaluated.
Results:
The relative abundance of the genus Fusobacterium, the ratio of the relative abundances of gram-negative to gram-positive bacterial genera, and the bbODI on the tumour surface significantly differed from patient-matched healthy oral mucosa (both buccal and tongue swabs) and supragingival dental plaque samples. Oral candidosis was found in 25% of patients; all patients were negative for cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.
Conclusions:
Certain characteristics of the bacteriome composition of the OSCC surface differ from patient-matched samples of healthy oral mucosa and supragingival dental plaque. The proposed bbODI appears to be a promising non-invasive tool for the identification of bacteriome disruption on the OSCC surface.
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiome of the Eye
The Skin Microbiota
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

