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Microbial Symbioses with Humans - Oral Cavity and Airways

8 important questions on Microbial Symbioses with Humans - Oral Cavity and Airways

Describe the factors that contribute to microbial growth in the oral cavity despite the presence of antibacterial substances in saliva.

The oral cavity contains high concentrations of nutrients near surfaces like teeth and gums due to food particles and cell debris. Despite antibacterial substances in saliva (lysozyme and lactoperoxidase), these local conditions support extensive microbial growth, contributing to tissue damage and disease.

Explain the diversity of the oral microbiome and compare it to that of the gut.

The oral microbiome is as diverse as the gut, consisting of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, Saccharibacteria, and Spirochaetes. Approximately 750 species of aerobic and anaerobic microbes, including some Archaea and yeast, reside in the oral cavity. Human populations share greater proportions of common taxa for the mouth than for the gut.

Discuss the role of specific bacterial genera, such as Streptococcus and Veillonella, in the oral microbiome, highlighting their relative abundance and functions.

Streptococcus (∼20%) and obligately anaerobic Veillonella (∼9%) are major genera in the oral cavity. Streptococcus and similar Firmicutes are major degraders of host or diet-derived polysaccharides. Veillonella establishes a close association with Streptococcus, consuming lactate produced by streptococcal fermentation.

Explore the unique characteristics of Nanosynbacter lyticus and its role in the oral microbiome.

Nanosynbacter lyticus is an ultrasmall bacterium (200–300 nm) that lacks the ability to synthesize amino acids, vitamins, or cell wall precursors. It exists as an obligate epiparasite, attaching to other oral bacteria and relying on lactate produced by streptococci as a carbon and energy source.

Xamine the microbial colonization patterns in the oral cavity during the development of teeth and the formation of dental plaque.

Aerotolerant anaerobes like streptococci and lactobacilli dominate the oral cavity before teeth appear. Upon tooth emergence, surfaces are rapidly colonized by aerotolerant and obligate anaerobes, leading to the formation of biofilms (dental plaque). Microbial assembly in dental plaque is an ordered process with specific binding between cell surface adhesins and receptors.

Discuss the contribution of the oral microbiota to host health and the visible manifestations of a breakdown in mutualistic relationships.

The oral microbiota contributes to host health by preventing pathogenic bacteria from accessing mucosal surfaces. Tooth decay, gum inflammation, and periodontal disease are visible manifestations of a breakdown in these mutualistic relationships.

Explore the differences in microbial colonization between subgingival plaque and saliva, emphasizing the role of specific bacterial species.

Subgingival plaque shows greater representation by Actinobacteria and Spirochaetes compared to saliva. Corynebacterium species, such as C. matruchotii and C. argentoratense, demonstrate site specificity, occurring mostly in supragingival plaque and saliva, respectively. Site-specific colonization patterns also exist for Lautropia mirabilis and Treponema socranskii.

Examine the microbial composition of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, emphasizing the presence of potential pathogens in healthy individuals.

The upper respiratory tract contains microbes like staphylococci, streptococci, diphtheroid bacilli, and gram-negative cocci. Occasionally, potential pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae are present in healthy individuals as carriers without causing disease. The lower respiratory tract harbors very low numbers of bacteria, primarily Prevotella, Veillonella, and Streptococcus, introduced from the upper respiratory tract.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Global Edition | 9781292235103 | Michael T Madigan, et al

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Microbial Symbioses with Humans - Oral Cavity and Airways

8 important questions on Microbial Symbioses with Humans - Oral Cavity and Airways

Describe the factors that contribute to microbial growth in the oral cavity despite the presence of antibacterial substances in saliva.

Explain the diversity of the oral microbiome and compare it to that of the gut.

Discuss the role of specific bacterial genera, such as Streptococcus and Veillonella, in the oral microbiome, highlighting their relative abundance and functions.

Explore the unique characteristics of Nanosynbacter lyticus and its role in the oral microbiome.

Xamine the microbial colonization patterns in the oral cavity during the development of teeth and the formation of dental plaque.

Discuss the contribution of the oral microbiota to host health and the visible manifestations of a breakdown in mutualistic relationships.

Explore the differences in microbial colonization between subgingival plaque and saliva, emphasizing the role of specific bacterial species.

Examine the microbial composition of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, emphasizing the presence of potential pathogens in healthy individuals.

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