Spatial mapping of polymicrobial communities reveals a precise biogeography associated with human dental caries.

ABSTRACT: Tooth decay (dental caries) is a widespread human disease caused by microbial biofilms. Streptococcus mutans, a biofilm-former, has been consistently associated with severe childhood caries; however, how this bacterium is spatially organized with other microorganisms in the oral cavity to promote disease remains unknown. Using intact biofilms formed on teeth of toddlers affected by caries, we discovered a unique 3D rotund-shaped architecture composed of multiple species precisely arranged in a corona-like structure with an inner core of S. mutans encompassed by outer layers of other bacteria. This architecture creates localized regions of acidic pH and acute enamel demineralization (caries) in a mixed-species biofilm model on human teeth, suggesting this highly ordered community as the cau

SUBMITTER: Kim D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7275741 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature