E-Cigarette Aerosol Exposure Favors the Growth and Colonization of Oral Streptococcus mutans Compared to Commensal Streptococci
Alma Catala-Valentin, Joshua N. Bernard, Matthew C. Caldwell, J. David Maxson, Sean D. Moore, Claudia D. Andl
Abstract
Our study shows that e-cigarette aerosol exposure of selected bacteria known to be residents of the oral cavity hinders the growth of two streptococcal commensals while enhancing biofilm formation, hydrophobicity, and attachment for the pathogen S. mutans. These results indicate that e-cigarette vaping could open a niche for opportunistic bacteria such as S. mutans to colonize the oral cavity and affect oral health.
Topics & Concepts
Streptococcus gordoniiStreptococcus mutansStreptococcus sanguinisBiofilmMicrobiologyPathogenDental plaqueCommensalismBiologyPeriodontitisBacteriaChemistryMedicineDentistryGeneticsOral microbiology and periodontitis researchStreptococcal Infections and TreatmentsOral Health Pathology and Treatment