One Bug Helps Another

Coculture with oral streptococci enhances resistance of A. actinomycetemcomitans to killing by host innate immunity.

Increasingly, researchers are recognizing the role of microbial communities in the development of human infections (JW Infect Dis Oct 15 2008). Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a causative agent of localized aggressive periodontitis; it resides within the subgingival crevice in association with other bacteria, including several streptococcal species.

A. actinomycetemcomitans preferentially uses the streptococcal metabolic waste product lactic acid, rather than high-energy carbon sources, for carbon and energy. But how does the bacterium respond to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), the other primary metabolite of streptococci? To find out, investigators assessed the effect of H₂O₂ exposure on gene expression in A. actinomycetemcomitans. Using…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health