Open AccessBdellovibrio bacteriovorus Attacks Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Author(s) -
Mark Van Essche,
Marc Quirynen,
I. Sliepen,
Johan Van Eldere,
Wim Teughels
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of dental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.979
H-Index - 182
eISSN - 1544-0591
pISSN - 0022-0345
DOI - 10.1177/0022034508329693
Subject(s) - aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , microbiology and biotechnology , bdellovibrio , bacteria , biology , actinobacillus , biofilm , periodontitis , gram staining , aggressive periodontitis , antibiotics , porphyromonas gingivalis , medicine , genetics
Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease primarily associated with Gram-negative periodontopathogens. Bdellovibrio and like organisms are predatory bacteria that feed on Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigated whether predatory bacteria can attack Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Therefore, A. actinomycetemcomitans was challenged with the predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus under conditions simulating the oral cavity. The reduction of planktonic A. actinomycetemcomitans was quantified via bacterial culture, and the development of predatory bacteria was monitored with quantitative real-time PCR. The destruction of A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilms by B. bacteriovorus was quantified by crystal violet staining and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro results show that B. bacteriovorus can attack, prey on, and kill A. actinomycetemcomitans and suggest a potential for B. bacteriovorus as a living antibiotic for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.