Search Results (90)

The demand for wild animal meat, popularly called “bushmeat”, serves as a driving force behind the emergence of infectious diseases, potentially transmitting a variety of pathogenic bacteria to humans through handling and consumption. This study investigated the microbial load and bacterial diversity in bushmeat sourced from a prominent bushmeat market in Kumasi, Ghana. Carcasses of 61 wild animals, including rodents (44), antelopes (14), and African civets (3), were sampled for microbiological analysis. These samples encompassed meat, intestines, and anal and oral swabs. The total aerobic bacteria plate count (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EBC), and fungal counts were determined. Bacterial identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF biotyping. Fungal counts were the highest across all animal groups, with African civets having 11.8 ± 0.3 log₁₀ CFU/g and 11.9 ± 0.2 log₁₀ CFU/g in intestinal and meat samples, respectively. The highest total plate count (TPC) was observed in rodents, both in their intestines (10.9 ± 1.0 log₁₀ CFU/g) and meat (10.9 ± 1.9 log₁₀ CFU/g). In contrast, antelopes exhibited the lowest counts across all categories, particularly in EBC from intestinal samples (6.1 ± 1.5 log₁₀ CFU/g) and meat samples (5.6 ± 1.2 log₁₀ CFU/g). A comprehensive analysis yielded 524 bacterial isolates belonging to 20 genera, with Escherichia coli (18.1%) and Klebsiella spp. (15.5%) representing the most prevalent species. Notably, the detection of substantial microbial contamination in bushmeat underscores the imperative for a holistic One Health approach to enhance product quality and mitigate risks associated with its handling and consumption. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontopathic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which leads to alveolar bone destruction and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may mitigate periodontal pathology. To systematically evaluate the alleviative effects and mechanisms of different forms of probiotics, including live bacteria and postbiotics, on periodontitis, we first screened and identified Ligilactobacillus salivarius CCFM1332 (L. salivarius CCFM1332) through in vitro antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity assays. Subsequently, we investigated its therapeutic potential in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. The results demonstrated that both live L. salivarius CCFM1332 (PL) and its postbiotics (PP) significantly reduced the gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD) in rats, while suppressing oral colonization of P. gingivalis. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were differentially modulated: the PL group exhibited reductions in interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by 39.31% (p < 0.01), 17.26% (p < 0.05), and 14.74% (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas the PP group showed decreases of 34.79% (p < 0.05), 29.85% (p < 0.01), and 19.74% (p < 0.05). Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) analysis demonstrated that compared to the periodontitis model group (PM), the PL group significantly reduced alveolar bone loss (ABL) by 30.1% (p < 0.05) and increased bone volume fraction (BV/TV) by 49.5% (p < 0.01). In contrast, while the PP group similarly decreased ABL by 32.7% (p < 0.05), it resulted in a 40.4% improvement in BV/TV (p > 0.05). Histological assessments via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining confirmed that both the PL group and the PP group alleviated structural damage to alveolar bone-supporting tissues and reduced osteoclast-positive cell counts. This study suggests that live L. salivarius CCFM1332 and its postbiotics reduce alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss in rats through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pathways, thereby alleviating periodontal inflammation in rats. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with an oral presence of Candida spp. have an elevated prevalence of dental caries. As an alternative to conventional antifungal drugs, the use of biofilm-modulating strategies, such as probiotic bacteria, may be a sustainable option. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial health effects, while prebiotics are compounds in food that foster the growth or activity of the beneficial microorganisms. The aim of this paper was to review current clinical findings regarding the antifungal effects of pre- and probiotic supplements, including syn- and postbiotics, in children. Methods: We searched two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for controlled clinical trials published in English up to 20 April 2025, and two authors scanned the abstracts independently for relevance. The selected full-text papers were reviewed and assessed for risk of bias. Results: Four articles published between 2013 and 2025 were included in this review, covering a total number of 208 caries-active children between 3 and 14 years of age. Study designs were heterogeneous, and we observed conflicting results: two studies with probiotic streptococci failed to demonstrate any beneficial effects on the counts of salivary C. albicans, while interventions with L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus significantly reduced C. albicans compared with controls. None of the included reports displayed a low risk of bias. No clinical studies utilizing prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics were retrieved. Conclusions: We found insufficient evidence concerning the antifungal effects of probiotic supplements in children. Therefore, we recommend future clinical trials to explore the ability of pre-, pro-, and postbiotic interventions to affect cross-kingdom biofilms in order to support a balanced and health-associated composition of the dental biofilm in children. Full article

Background/Objectives: This investigation evaluated 2,6-Dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP), a redox dye, as a colorimetric reagent for rapid quantification of oral bacteria and examined the antimicrobial effects of oral hygiene formulations. Methods/Results: Viable microbial cells reduce DCIP, resulting in a loss of its blue color which can be measured spectrophotometrically. Strains of Actinomyces viscosus, Veillonella atypica, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans grown in the laboratory reduced DCIP. Significant correlations between increasing viable plate counts and DCIP reduction were noted for strains of oral organisms. Intact microbial cells reduced DCIP, with insignificant reductions observed by spent microbial media or bacteria free culture media. Organisms inactivated by either heat or cold demonstrated significantly lower DCIP reduction in comparison to metabolically intact organisms grown under optimal conditions. Conclusions: DCIP reduction provided a rapid and accurate method to evaluate antimicrobial effects of clinical proven mouthwashes formulated with cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine and toothpastes for a range of oral bacteria. Together, these results identify a rapid, low-cost method using common laboratory equipment to enumerate oral organisms with a visual outcome. Full article

Background: The Er:YAG laser has gained attention in dentistry for its potential to enhance microbial disinfection through targeted photothermal and photoacoustic mechanisms. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and bactericidal efficacy of Er:YAG laser therapy across clinically relevant oral pathogens in in vitro models. Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted for studies published between 2015 and 2025. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251031368). Eligibility criteria included in vitro or animal studies assessing the bactericidal effects of the Er:YAG laser on oral bacteria or fungi, either alone or in combination with chemical disinfectants. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by multiple reviewers. Results: Ten in vitro studies met inclusion criteria. The Er:YAG laser demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Candida albicans, and other species. Greater bacterial reduction was consistently observed when the laser was combined with adjunctive irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. The laser was effective in reducing biofilm biomass and viable counts, particularly in complex anatomical settings. Most studies were rated as low risk of bias. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser therapy is a promising adjunctive tool for microbial disinfection in dentistry, particularly in challenging anatomical sites. Further well-designed in vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and determine optimal treatment parameters. Full article

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a new cold atmospheric plasma device (AmbiJet) for eradicating mature oral biofilm on titanium implant surfaces, aiming to improve decontamination methods for the treatment of peri-implant infections. Material and methods: Mature oral biofilms were grown on titanium disks placed in participants’ mouths. These disks were divided into control and plasma treatment groups. The AmbiJet device delivered plasma directly to the implant surface for 3 min per 20 mm², utilizing the applicator nozzle and implant as electrodes. Biofilm reduction was quantified by counting colony-forming units (CFUs). Results: Cold plasma treatment rendered approximately 90% of samples bacteria-free. A > 6-log₁₀ reduction (≈99.9999%) in bacterial load was achieved in 30% of samples, with an overall average reduction of 4.9-log₁₀ across all treated samples. The temperature during treatment remained below 40 °C. Conclusions: Within the study’s limitations, cold atmospheric plasma effectively eradicates mature oral biofilm on titanium surfaces. This high disinfection efficacy is likely due to the combined action of reactive species and electrical phenomena, which does not cause significant temperature increases. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease. Methods: A total of 22 patients with graft-versus-host disease aged 45.05 ± 14.66 years were enrolled in a single-centre cross-sectional study. Data from questionnaires on general health and diet, clinical examinations, and salivary tests were used to assess caries risks using the Cariogram computer programme. The Slovenian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-SVN) was used to determine the oral health-related quality of life. Results: Compared to healthy individuals, patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease had a lower oral health-related quality of life and a lower stimulated salivary flow rate (in both cases p < 0.001). The OHIP summary score correlated with stimulated salivary pH (R = 0.4916, p = 0.0277) and caries risk (R = 0.5420, p = 0.0111). Conclusions: In conclusion, our results confirm that cGVHD has a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life due to lower stimulated salivary pH and elevated caries risk (reduced salivary pH, flow rate, buffering capacity, and elevated Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria count). These findings emphasise the importance of a comprehensive assessment of oral health and preventive care in patients with cGVHD and suggest that the integration of clinical and quality of life measures could lead to improved patient care strategies. Full article

Background: The mouth and the oropharyngeal system are home to numerous bacterial species that constitute the so-called oral microbiome and play an important role for the integrity of the oral cavity, influencing the overall health of the body, as demonstrated by several studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial modulation potential of a toothpaste (bioredoxin) containing curcumin and melatonin. Both substances have anti-inflammatory properties, as documented in several scientific reports. Methods: The in vivo study we present was a single-center, double-blind trial and was conducted in parallel groups. We enlisted 20 volunteers who were randomly assigned to four distinct groups using blinded four different toothpaste preparations: a standard toothpaste indicated as placebo, a toothpaste with curcumin, a toothpaste with melatonin, and a toothpaste with melatonin and curcumin. Results: The samples from the gingival tasks were taken at time 0 and after 8 weeks of toothpaste treatment. By evaluating the DNA content of the most significant periodontal bacteria related to the total bacteria count using quantitative PCR assays, including the saprophyte component of the microbiome, we demonstrated that the Curcumin and Melatonin treatment has a statistically relevant effect on decreasing the level of periodontal pathogenic bacteria DNA. The toothpaste with the addition of curcumin and melatonin showed a modulation between t0 and t1 of the Campylobacter rectus (14,568 vs. 3532.8) and Peptostreptococcus micro (1320.8 vs. 319) bacteria. In addition, a modulation of pathogenic bacteria and saprophytic bacteria was shown. The synergistic action of the two additives would therefore appear to lead to promising results. Conclusions: Despite the fact that additional studies may be necessary in evaluating the effect of the Curcumin/melatonin combination in modulating a proposed therapeutic effect on infections of the oropharyngeal apparatus, in this report, we show for the first time that a combination of curcumin and melatonin supplemented using an oral cosmetic vehicle has the capacity to decrease the level of periodontal pathogenic bacteria, possibly ameliorating health and the physiological conditions in the buccal scenario. Full article

Background/Objectives: The evaluation of the efficacy of antibacterial treatments in complex oral ecosystems is limited by the inability to differentiate live from dead bacteria using omic techniques. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the ability of the combination of the 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing methodology and the action of propidium monoazide (PMA) to study viable bacterial profiles in oral biofilms after exposure to an antiseptic compound. Methods: Cariogenic supragingival biofilms were developed in an ex vivo model for 96 h, using saliva from healthy volunteers. The biofilms were treated with 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) combined with 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), for 60 s, using phosphate buffered saline as a control. After exposure, each biofilm was treated or not with PMA to then extract the bacterial DNA, quantify it by Qubit, quantify the bacterial population using qPCR, and perform the metataxonomic study of the samples using Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: A significantly lower DNA concentration in the PMA-treated biofilms (p < 0.05 compared with those not exposed to PMA) was observed. The viable bacterial count obtained by qPCR differed significantly from the total bacterial count in the biofilm samples exposed to the antiseptic (p < 0.05). The viable microbiome differed significantly from the total bacterial profile of the samples treated with CHX/CPC after exposure to PMA (p < 0.05 at the α- and β-diversity levels). Conclusions: The combination of Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing and PMA helps solve the inability to evaluate the efficacy of antibacterial treatments in the bacterial profile of complex ecosystems such as oral biofilms. Full article

Interest in natural extracts for managing oral biofilms is increasing, with black cumin seed oil (BCSO) demonstrating efficacy against Streptococcus mutans. The effectiveness of antibacterial agents should be evaluated using multi-species oral biofilm models that closely mimic actual conditions. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effects of BCSO and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on oral microcosm biofilms. Biofilms using human saliva as the inoculum were cultured for 2 days and subsequently treated with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.5% BCSO, or 0.12% CHX once daily for 6 days. Following treatment, the red fluorescence intensity (Ratio_R/G) of the oral biofilm; biomass, including extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) levels and live bacteria counts; and colony-forming units (CFUs) of aciduric bacteria were evaluated. Ratio_R/G after BCSO treatment (1.26 ± 0.03) was not significantly different from that after CHX treatment (p = 0.552). The EPS levels were also not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.743). The live bacteria count was 0.55 times lower in the BCSO-treated group than in the CHX-treated group (p = 0.018). No significant between-group difference was observed in the CFUs of aciduric bacteria (p = 0.935). These results suggest that BCSO exhibits antibacterial effects similar to those of CHX, highlighting its potential as an effective alternative. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers challenged by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). A total of 144 newly hatched male Lingnan yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into three groups (six replicates/group): a control (CON) group, an APEC group and an XOS group (APEC-challenged broilers supplemented with 1600 mg/kg XOS). Birds in the APEC and XOS groups were orally challenged with APEC from 7 to 12 d of age. Growth performance and intestinal health-related parameters were determined on d 13 and 17. The reductions (p < 0.05) in final body weight, average daily gain and elevation (p < 0.05) in intestinal APEC colonization in challenged broilers were counteracted by the XOS addition, which also alleviated the APEC-induced reductions (p < 0.05) in jejunal goblet cell count and density in broilers on d 17. Supplementing with XOS increased (p < 0.05) jejunal villus height and crypt depth, coupled with occludin and zonula occluden-1 expression, on d 17, and diminished the change (p < 0.05) in the jejunal inflammatory cytokine expression profile in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, cecal counts of total bacteria and Lactobacillus in challenged broilers were augmented (p < 0.05) by the XOS addition, which also mitigated APEC-induced reductions (p < 0.05) in cecal acetate, butyrate and valerate concentrations in broilers on d 13 or 17. Supplementing with XOS blocked the increases (p < 0.05) in the expression of cecal E. coli virulence genes relA and ompR on d 13 along with the expression of fimH and csgA on d 17. XOS alleviated APEC-induced growth retardation and intestinal disruption in broilers partially by restraining the intestinal colonization of APEC. Furthermore, the improvements in cecal microbiota and fermentation pattern, along with attenuation of cecal E. coli virulence resulting from XOS supplementation, could also support the maintenance of intestinal health in APEC-challenged broilers. Full article

Both periodontal disease and cancer are prevalent conditions with significant impacts on individuals and society. Extensive research has suggested a potential link between these two diseases. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database, focusing on publications from 2014 to 2023. The analysis included data extraction and examination of authors, affiliations, publication dates, journals, countries, citation counts, keywords, and the H-index. A total of 253 relevant articles were identified, showing an increasing trend in both publications and citations over the years. The analysis highlighted the most productive authors, institutions, and countries/regions, with Michaud DS and Abnet CC leading in the number of publications. Highly cited articles emphasized the role of specific oral microbiota, particularly F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis, in various cancers, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Four key thematic clusters emerged from the keyword analysis: the broader health implications of periodontal disease, the microbiome’s role in carcinogenesis, inflammation, and specific bacteria in cancer, and epidemiological methods in studying the disease–cancer association. This bibliometric analysis underscores the growing interest in the connection between periodontal disease and cancer. Future research should adopt interdisciplinary approaches, focus on large-scale microbiome studies and longitudinal research to understand the systemic effects of periodontal disease, identify cancer-associated bacterial profiles, and investigate the molecular mechanisms of bacterial carcinogenesis. Additionally, public health interventions aimed at improving oral hygiene and reducing cancer risk factors are recommended. Full article

The development of functional foods is a viable alternative for the prevention of numerous diseases. However, the food industry faces significant challenges in producing functional foods based on probiotics due to their high sensitivity to various processing and gastrointestinal tract conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the operational conditions during the extrusion encapsulation process using vibrating technology on the viability of Lactobacillus fermentum K73, a lactic acid bacterium with hypocholesterolemia probiotic potential. An optimal experimental design approach was employed to produce sweet whey–sodium alginate (SW-SA) beads with high bacterial content and good morphological characteristics. In this study, the effects of frequency, voltage, and pumping rate were optimized for a 300 μm nozzle. The microspheres were characterized using RAMAN spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The optimal conditions for bead production were found: 70 Hz, 250 V, and 20 mL/min with a final cell count of 8.43 Log₁₀ (CFU/mL). The mean particle diameter was 620 ± 5.3 µm, and the experimental encapsulation yield was 94.3 ± 0.8%. The INFOGEST model was used to evaluate the survival of probiotic beads under gastrointestinal tract conditions. Upon exposure to in vitro conditions of oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, the encapsulated viability of L. fermentum was 7.6 Log₁₀ (CFU/mL) using the optimal encapsulation parameters, which significantly improved the survival of probiotic bacteria during both the encapsulation process and under gastrointestinal conditions compared to free cells. Full article

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of probiotics in patients with halitosis and to assess whether probiotics can also be implemented as a preventative tool in oral health. Secondary objectives included the effect of probiotics on oral-health-related quality of life, as well as their safety. Materials and methods: An electronic literature search in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library was carried out for the identification and selection of relevant randomized controlled trials. Eligibility was based on inclusion criteria, which included RCTs published after 2013, and the outcome variables were volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels, organoleptic scores, plaque, or saliva samples to assess cariogenic bacteria counts and/or pH levels. Results: Out of 192 identified records, 16 randomized controlled trials were included. Ten of those studied the effects of probiotics on halitosis and the other six analyzed the effect of probiotics on oral health parameters, such as cariogenic bacteria counts, pH levels, and salivary flow and quality. A total of 921 patients were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool version 2. Conclusions: Probiotics exhibit the potential for oral health management by reducing VSC levels, improving saliva quality, and enhancing oral-health-related quality of life. Combining probiotics with tongue scraping may sustain VSC reduction, while symbiotics show potential in reducing tongue coating. However, different bacterial strains have been used in the included studies; hence, the conclusions cannot be generalized, being one of the main limitations of this review. Future research should explore the probiotics’ potential to persist in the oral cavity post-treatment and employ standardized methodologies for conclusive efficacy assessment. Full article

Background and Objectives: Epidemiological and microbiological–immunological studies have led to the conclusion that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for preterm birth. The aim of this study was to investigate and identify the relationship of some hematological cellular biomarkers characterizing the chronic oral focus of infection with pregnancy outcomes and their impact on those outcomes. Materials and Methods: Clinical and laboratory tests were conducted on 100 pregnant women, grouped by full-term or preterm births, with the assessment of the following markers: DMF, CPI and PIRI, PHP, microbiological examination of periodontal pockets and amniotic fluid, WBS count, WBCSI, LGI, and NMR. A statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS Statistics version 19.0. Results: Women with preterm labor had higher-grade caries (CSL > 0.3), while women with full-term childbirth had moderate caries (CSL < 0.3). A satisfactory level of oral hygiene efficiency was found in 50% (group 1) and 38.1% (group 2) of the expectant mothers. The periodontal status by the PIRI showed tissue lesions in 20.7% (group 1) and 92.9% (group 2) of the women. The WBCSI was 2.27 ± 0.82 and 2.15 ± 0.68, the NMR was 9.29 ± 5.119 and 11.62 ± 7.78, and the LGI was 3.54 ± 1.1 and 3.73 ± 0.81 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Comparative analysis of bacterial contamination of the amniotic fluid revealed the predominance of Fusobacterium nucleatum (64.3%), Tannerella forsythia (57.1%), Prevotella intermedia (50%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (57.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (45.2%), and Candida albicans (50%) in women with premature birth. Conclusions: In women with preterm birth, the values of the indices characterizing a chronic oral focus of infection evoke more significant correlations with the timing of delivery, which indicates the significant role of an oral focus of infection. The presence of microbial invasion of amniotic fluid may indicate the role of periodontopathogenic bacteria in pregnant women diagnosed with a risk of preterm birth. Full article