G Hitch1, J Pratten, P W Taylor. 1. Microbiology Group, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, UK.
Abstract
AIMS: To isolate bacteriophages lytic for oral pathogens from human saliva, dental plaque and mature biofilms constituted from saliva-derived bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Saliva and dental plaque samples from healthy volunteers and from patients with gingivitis and periodontitis were examined for the presence of lytic bacteriophage using a panel of oral pathogens and bacteria isolated from the samples. Samples were also enriched for bacteriophage using static culture techniques and mature biofilms. A limited number of samples contained bacteriophage particles that were visualized using electron microscopy. Cultures yielded phage infecting non-oral bacteria (Proteus mirabilis) but no bacteriophage specific for recognized oral pathogens were found. Some micro-organisms from the oral microflora elaborated antibacterial substances that inhibited growth of other residents of the oral cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike other ecosystems, the composition of the oral cavity does not appear to be heavily influenced by interactions between bacteriophages and their hosts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteriophage for control of oral infections may need to be obtained from other sources. Antibacterial substances derived from some members of the oral microflora warrant investigation as potential antibiotics.
AIMS: To isolate bacteriophages lytic for oral pathogens from human saliva, dental plaque and mature biofilms constituted from saliva-derived bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Saliva and dental plaque samples from healthy volunteers and from patients with gingivitis and periodontitis were examined for the presence of lytic bacteriophage using a panel of oral pathogens and bacteria isolated from the samples. Samples were also enriched for bacteriophage using static culture techniques and mature biofilms. A limited number of samples contained bacteriophage particles that were visualized using electron microscopy. Cultures yielded phage infecting non-oral bacteria (Proteus mirabilis) but no bacteriophage specific for recognized oral pathogens were found. Some micro-organisms from the oral microflora elaborated antibacterial substances that inhibited growth of other residents of the oral cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike other ecosystems, the composition of the oral cavity does not appear to be heavily influenced by interactions between bacteriophages and their hosts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteriophage for control of oral infections may need to be obtained from other sources. Antibacterial substances derived from some members of the oral microflora warrant investigation as potential antibiotics.
Authors: David T Pride; Christine L Sun; Julia Salzman; Nitya Rao; Peter Loomer; Gary C Armitage; Jillian F Banfield; David A Relman Journal: Genome Res Date: 2010-12-13 Impact factor: 9.043
Authors: Allan L Delisle; Ming Guo; Natalia I Chalmers; Gerard J Barcak; Geneviève M Rousseau; Sylvain Moineau Journal: Appl Environ Microbiol Date: 2012-01-27 Impact factor: 4.792