Work

Microbial Diversity and Composition Uncovered on Obturator Prosthesis Biofilms: Exploratory Findings from a Pilot Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Microbial communities on obturator prosthesis biofilms have yet to be investigated. This pilot study explores eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses present on obturator prosthesis biofilms using metagenomics. The prostheses of the selected patients (n = 3) were collected and their biofilms were physically removed. The total genomic DNA was extracted, followed by metagenomic analysis. The microbial diversity in each of the investigated biofilms was exceptionally abundant. Between 2616 to 3024 species were detected in the three biofilms. The highest percentage included prokaryotes and unclassified species, followed by low percentages of fungi, viruses, and archaea. Unusual pathogens rarely reported in oral biofilms, such as Mycobacterium and other species, were also found at very low percentages. Unigenes for functional pathways related to metabolism, cellular processes, human disease, and other microbial unigenes were abundant. In addition, unigenes for several antibiotic-resistance mechanisms were also detected. This study reveals, for the first time, that biofilm formation on obturator prostheses comprises a variety of dynamic microbial communities, suggesting a putative role in health and disease in patients following maxillofacial surgery.

Source: Pathogens

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15020221

Authors: Camila Vilela, Leonel Mendoza, Raquel Vilela, Francisca Daniele Moreira Jardilino, Cláudia Lopes Brilhante Bhering, Amalia Moreno

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Michigan State University

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654