Although the species is extensively studied, limited data are available on antiphage defense systems (APDSs) in Streptococcus mutans. The present study aimed to explore the diversity and the occurrence of APDSs and to search for prophages in the genomes of clinical isolates of S. mutans using bioinformatics tools.Forty-four clinical isolates of S. mutans were obtained from saliva samples of people with Parkinson's disease. Genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology, and analyzed for the presence of defense systems using DefenseFinder and PADLOC. CRISPR-Cas systems were characterized using CRISPRCasFinder, and prophages were detected by the PhiSpy pipeline from RAST. AcrFinder and AcrHub were used to identify anti-CRISPR proteins.Each strain harbored between 6 and 12 APDS, with restriction-modification systems being the most prevalent, followed by the MazEF toxin-antitoxin system and CRISPR-Cas systems. Type II-C CRISPR-Cas systems were not identified here in S. mutans. Novel variations in type II-A signature protein Cas9 were identified, allowing their classification into four distinct groups. Variability in direct repeat sequences within the same CRISPR array was also observed, and 80% of the spacers were classified as targeting "dark matter". A unique prophage, phi_37bPJ2, was detected, showing high similarity with previously described phages. The AcrIIA5 protein encoded by phi_37bPJ2 was conserved and suggested to remain functionally active.This study reveals the diversity of APDSs in S. mutans and the limited presence of prophages. The findings provide a foundation for future research on the evolutionary dynamics of these systems and their role in S. mutans adaptation to phage pressure.

Background/Objectives: Bacteriophages infecting the genus Streptococcus play a crucial role in microbial ecology and have potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Despite their importance, significant gaps remain in our understanding of their lysis modules. This study aims to address these deficiencies by analyzing the genomic diversity and lysis module organization in Streptococcus phages. Methods: A search was conducted in the NCBI RefSeq database to identify phage genomes infecting Streptococcus. A representative panel was selected based on taxonomic diversity. Lysis modules were annotated and visualized, functional domains in endolysins were identified, and holins were characterized. Results: A total of 205 phage genomes were retrieved from the NCBI RefSeq database, of which 185 complete genomes were analyzed. A subset of 34 phages was selected for in-depth analysis, ensuring the representation of taxonomic diversity. The lysis modules were annotated and visualized, revealing five distinct organizations. Among the 256 identified endolysins, 25 distinct architectural organizations were observed, with amidase activity being the most prevalent. Holins were classified into 9 of the 74 families listed in the Transporter Classification Database, exhibiting one to three transmembrane domains. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the structural diversity of lysis modules in Streptococcus phages, paving the way for future research and potential biotechnological applications.

The delicate balance of the oral cavity is disrupted by changes in hygiene and diet, leading to caries. The virulence of Streptococcus mutans, a key caries pathogen, is partly explained by its rhamnose-glucose polysaccharide (RGP) and its sucrose-dependent and -independent adhesion mechanisms. Given their role in comorbidities, this study investigates the diversity of S. mutans through analysis of RGP and sucrose-independent adhesion proteins (SpaP, WapA, Cnm, Cbm) in Parkinson’s disease patients. In the PARKIDENT clinical trial, strains were isolated from saliva samples of Parkinson’s patients at baseline and during a follow-up visit. Strains were preanalyzed by multiplex PCR for serotype and collagen-binding proteins, followed by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis using RAST® and BLAST®. Phylogenetic analyses and protein modeling were also conducted. Of 40 patients in the Parkident clinical trial, only 24 had Streptococcus mutans strains isolable from salivary swabs. Serotyping revealed that over 80

Introduction: People with Parkinson's disease (PD) may have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene due to their motor impairments. This generally leads to a higher prevalence of oral infections, including periodontal disease. To date, no study has addressed this issue in a French population. Objective: The aim of the study, part of the PARKIDENT clinical trial, was to assess the periodontal health of people with PD and to evaluate changes in their periodontal parameters 6 months after receiving hygiene advice. Methods: Data were collected from 40 participants at both baseline and 6-month follow-up. These data included demographic information and an assessment of the participants' PD stage. Oral health assessments included oral hygiene and periodontal status. Microbiological samples were also collected and the data collected during the two visits were compared. Results: Forty people with PD participated in the study. An improvement in oral hygiene habits and a reduction in the plaque index were observed at follow-up. The frequency of patients with significant periodontal pockets (> 6mm) was also reduced (from 20% to 3%). The improvement in these periodontal parameters was associated with a reduction in bacterial load, particularly for Treponema denticola (p=0.003). Conclusion: The study suggests that hygiene advice can improve periodontal health in patients with PD, potentially preventing tooth loss and improving their quality of life. Clinical Significance: This study, the first in France on the periodontal health of people with PD, suggests that dental visits and hygiene advice can improve their oral health. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Clinical Trial NCT03827551 ### Funding Statement This work was supported by France Parkinson. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The research protocol was reviewed and approved by a French regional ethics committee, the Comite de Protection des Personnes (CPP) Sud-Est III, approval number: Eudract 2018-A02773-52. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors

The delicate balance of the oral cavity is disrupted by hygiene and diet changes, leading to caries. The virulence of Streptococcus mutans , a key caries pathogen, is partly explained by its rhamnose-glucose polysaccharide (RGP) and its sucrose-dependent and -independent adhesion mechanisms. This study investigates the diversity of S. mutans through analysis of its RGP and the distribution of sucrose-independent adhesion proteins (SpaP, WapA, Cnm, Cbm) in Parkinson’s disease patients. In the PARKIDENT clinical trial, strains were isolated from saliva samples of Parkinson’s patients before and after oral hygiene procedures. Strains were preanalyzed by multiplex PCR for serotype and collagen-binding proteins, followed by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis using RAST® and BLAST®. Phylogenetic analyses and protein modeling were also conducted. Of 40 patients in the Parkident clinical trial, only 24 had Streptococcus mutans strains isolable from salivary swabs. Serotyping revealed that over 80% of the 44 strains isolated were serotype c, in line with prevalence data in the literature. Furthermore, only SpaP types A and B were identified in the strains. The low variability observed for the WapA protein underlines its functional importance. Finally, the cbm gene was not found in any strain, and only 5 strains possessed the cnm gene, all of them serotype c. The study of these 44 Streptococcus mutans strains showed characteristics similar to other populations. Serotype c predominates, with minimal peptide variability in adhesion proteins (SpaP, WapA). Collagen-binding proteins Cnm and Cbm are rare or absent. Further research is essential for detailed strain distribution in Parkinson’s-affected and general French populations due to S. mutans’ growing role in extra-oral pathologies. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.

AbstractAlthough the species is extensively studied, limited data are available on antiphage defense systems (APDSs) inStreptococcus mutans. The present study aimed to explore the diversity and the occurrence of APDSs and to search for prophages in the genomes of clinical isolates ofS. mutansusing bioinformatics tools.Forty-four clinical isolates ofS. mutanswere obtained from saliva samples of people with Parkinson’s disease. Genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology, and analyzed for the presence of defense systems using DefenseFinder. CRISPR- Cas systems were characterized using CRISPRCasFinder, and prophages were detected by the PhiSpy pipeline from RAST. AcrFinder and AcrHub were used to identify anti-CRISPR proteins.Each strain harbored between 6 and 12 APDS, with restriction-modification systems being the most prevalent, followed by the MazEF toxin-antitoxin system and CRISPR-Cas systems. Type II-C CRISPR-Cas systems were not identified here inS. mutans. Novel variations in type II-A signature protein Cas9 were identified, allowing their classification into four distinct groups. Variability in direct repeat sequences within the same CRISPR array was also observed, and 80% of the spacers were classified as targeting "dark matter". A unique prophage, phi_37bPJ2, was detected, showing high similarity with previously described phages. The AcrIIA5 protein encoded by phi_37bPJ2 was conserved and suggested to remain functionally active.This study reveals the diversity of APDSs inS. mutansand the limited presence of prophages. The findings provide a foundation for future research on the evolutionary dynamics of these systems and their role inS. mutansadaptation to phage pressure.

Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen in dental caries. This species is also implicated in extra-oral pathologies. The efficient evaluation of identification methods for Streptococcus mutans is therefore clinically relevant to determine the risk of caries and to identify its presence in other extra-oral diseases where it is involved.The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of different methods for identification of Streptococcus mutans.For this, saliva samples obtained from patients with Parkinson's disease, enrolled in a clinical trial, were plated on Mitis Salivarius Agar medium supplemented with potassium tellurite, bacitracin and kanamycin (MSKB). After incubation, S. mutans colonies were identified on the basis of their differential morphological characteristics and Gram staining was performed. After these steps, strains with characteristic S. mutans morphology were subjected to molecular biology techniques (several PCR methods) and proteomic identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Finally, the 49 strains were sequenced to confirm the identifications obtained with the previous methodsThe results showed that culture on MSKB allowed the recovery of various oral streptococcal species. 95.9% of S. mutans were correctly identified after proteomic identification. Among the PCRs tested, two different techniques resulted in correct identification of the strains.It was concluded that for morphological identification of S. mutans, the MSKB culture medium used in this study was not selective to a sufficient extend. On the other hand, some PCR methods seemed to be a good solution while MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry can lead to rare identification errors. Except for sequencing, the main limitation of the tested methods was the lack of detection of contaminating bacteria in clinical isolates.

Dental health is frequently altered in patients with chronic kidney disease. We conducted a prospective study on dental health in CKD patients with a specific interest in the association between dental health issues and the accumulation of uremic toxins in the saliva. A total of 88 patients were included in the study, with chronic kidney disease stage 2 to 5 (without kidney replacement). We analysed the total concentrations of eight uremic toxins (trimethylamine N-oxide -TMAO-, Indoxyl Sulfate, P-cresyl-sulfate, Indole 3-acetic acid, 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid -CMPF-, Kynurenine, Hippuric acid and Phenylacetylglutamine) and three precursors of uremic toxins (Tyrosine, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan) in the saliva using LC-MS/MS. We observed, for the first time, the association between various dental scores: DMFT, FST, CPITN, and OHIS, and saliva uremic toxins and precursors: TMAO, indoxyl sulfate, or hippuric acid. Further prospective interventional studies are required to confirm our results.

Abstract Objectives This work aimed to describe the nutritional status of French older adults (age ≥ 90 years) and studied the association between oral health and nutritional status. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 among the participants of a cohort on cerebral and functional aging in France at their 25-year follow up (the PAQUID cohort). Nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment [MNA]) and oral health status (number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT], number of posterior occluding pairs, xerostomia [Xerostomia Inventory], and prosthetic rehabilitation) were recorded at the participants’ living places by two dentists. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the association between oral health and nutritional status, with adjustments for potential confounders. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Results 87 participants were included in the analyses: 74.7% were females and the mean age was 94.1 years (± 3.0). Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition (MNA < 24) was present in 23 participants (26.4%), with only one having malnutrition. The mean DMFT score was 26.5 (± 5.3). The mean number of posterior occluding pairs was 1.5 (± 2.3). Twenty-one participants had xerostomia (24.1%). Only 8.1% of the participants had all their teeth or adequate dentures; 47.1% had inadequate dentures, while 44.8% had no dentures despite tooth loss. After adjustment, xerostomia (OR = 8.79; 95% CI = 2.38–39.10; p = 0.002) was found to be associated with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Conclusion Being at risk of malnutrition was common among people ≥ 90 years old and was associated with xerostomia. NCT04065828.

The appearance of the smile and in particular the color of the teeth is of great cosmetic importance for many people. Because of the coloring substances that make up wine, wine tasters are subject by their profession to a high risk of having discolored teeth. The main objective of this study was therefore to observe the association between the color of the maxillary central incisors and the profession of wine tasters. To do this, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Gironde region (France) by comparing the color of the buccal face of the maxillary central incisors of professional wine tasters and controls. The teeth color was measured using a spectrophotometer and the delta E (difference between two colors) was noted by comparison with a common reference. On a population of 61 people (31 wine tasters and 30 controls), our results showed no significant difference in the color of the teeth studied. However, a trend towards the impact of age on tooth color was observed. Within the limits of this study, it does not appear that the color of the buccal face of the maxillary incisors is significantly related to professional wine tasting.

There has been little exploration of how phages contribute to the diversity of the bacterial community associated with winemaking and may impact fermentations and product quality. Prophages of Oenococcus oeni , the most common species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) associated with malolactic fermentation of wine, have been described, but no data is available regarding phages of O. oeni with true virulent lifestyles. The current study reports on the incidence and characterization of the first group of virulent oenophages named Vinitor, isolated from the enological environment. Vinitor phages are morphologically very similar to siphoviruses infecting other LAB. Although widespread during winemaking, they are more abundant in musts than temperate oenophages. We obtained the complete genomic sequences of phages Vinitor162 and Vinitor27, isolated from white and red wines, respectively. The assembled genomes shared 97.6% nucleotide identity and belong to the same species. Coupled with phylogenetic analysis, our study revealed that the genomes of Vinitor phages are architecturally mosaics and represent unique combinations of modules amongst LAB infecting-phages. Our data also provide some clues to possible evolutionary connections between Vinitor and (pro)phages associated to epiphytic and insect-related bacteria.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in identifying bacteria isolated in the oral cavity known to be of probiotic interest. DESIGN:We evaluated Bruker MALDI Biotyper for the identification of 92 clinical oral isolates of probiotic interest (31 Streptococcus salivarius and 61 Lactobacillus spp.) by comparing direct colony method with on-plate formic acid extraction. Isolates were previously identified by use of biochemical methods and molecular biology. RESULTS:Using the manufacturer's suggested genus and species level cutoff scores, the direct colony method identified 42 (45.7%) isolates at the genus level and 35 (38%) at the species level while the on-plate extraction method correctly identified 90 (97.8%) isolates at the genus level and 82 (89.1%) at the species level. The difference between the two methods was statistically significant at the genus and species levels (P ≤ 0.0001). After dividing the isolates into two subgroups, the analysis was repeated. The direct colony method identified correctly all isolates of Streptococcus salivarius at the species level. In contrast, the direct colony method allowed the identification of only 11 (18%) lactobacilli at the genus level and 4 (6.6%) at the species level. The on-plate extraction method was statistically (P ≤ 0.0001) more efficient since 59 (96.7%) lactobacilli were identified at the genus level and 51 (83.6%) at the species level. CONCLUSIONS:MALDI Biotyper can efficiently identify Streptococcus salivarius regardless of the preparative method but on-plate extraction is superior to direct colony method for the identification of lactobacilli.

Objectives: The main aim of our work was to get one step closer to the in vivo conditions. We started from a multispecies static biofilm model containing five different bacteria, implementing specific enhancements. Our second goal was to improve the analysis of such biofilms regarding collection and identification. Material and Methods: We started from a multispecies static model with five oral strains growing on hydroxyapatite discs to improve it on multiple points. We modified culture conditions and added two more strains. We also changed bacteria collection, which evolved from manually scrapping the discs surface to the combination of ultrasonic and mechanical harvesting. In a further another step, we developed a dynamic model implementing the above changes with a continuous supply of medium flow and waste disposal. Different methods have been evaluated to monitor the presence of all the species within the biofilms, and to quantify them: gram staining, PCR, MALDI-TOF-MS, qPCR. Results: The modifications brought to our static model confirmed its reproducibility. Even if improvements need to be made, our dynamic model of oral biofilm is already a good alternative to more sophisticated and expensive models. Conclusions: This new oral biofilm model represents the premises of another way to study the environmental variations effects on bacterial development, its larger application will result in a better understanding of oral health significant factors.

Background. - Older persons comprise a growing proportion of the European population and may have a distinct epidemiological oral profile requiring specific preventive and curative care poorly documented. The objectives of this study were to assess the oral health status of people >= 90 years of age in France, to compare their perceived and observed oral care needs and to investigate the oral problems associated with a low oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL). Methods. - An oral cross-sectional study was performed during the 25th follow-up of a cohort of older persons being followed up prospectively for screening of dementia over a 15-year period in Gironde and Dordogne, France. Clinical oral indices were determined by oral examinations conducted at the participants' place of living. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was used to assess the agreement between perceived and observed oral care needs. Oral problems associated with a low OHRQoL, measured with the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI < 50) were investigated with logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. - Data from 90 persons were analysed (76% female; median age = 93 years; 20% living in an institution). Plaque and calculus were present in 93% and 58% respectively, of the 74 dentate participants. The mean number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth was 26.5 (+/- 5.3); 66% of the participants had at least one untreated decayed tooth. Among the 85 participants with tooth loss not replaced by a fixed denture, two thirds had a removable dental prosthesis; 84% of these prostheses were considered to be maladapted. Among the 39 participants who felt unable to consult a dentist (43%), lack of transportation was the most frequently cited reason. Although 88% of the participants needed oral care, only 26% perceived that they had such a need (Kappa = 0.06). Oral problems associated with a GOHAI < 50 were the absence of posterior occluding teeth (OR= 7.15; 95%CI = 1.53-33.35; P= 0.012), feeling of dry mouth (OR= 11.94; 95%CI = 3.21-44.39; P = 0.0002) and oral pain (OR = 9.06; 95%CI = 1.91-69.00; P = 0.033). Conclusions. - Persons >= 90 years of age have considerable preventive and curative dental care needs that impact their quality-of-life but they are rarely aware and lack transportation. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Bacterial competitiveness appears to be an efficient way to fight pathogenic oral flora. This competition may be facilitated by probiotics, particularly in periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the probiotic properties of 61 clinical isolates of oral lactobacilli. The inhibitory activity of the tested strains against periodontopathogens was assessed with the agar overlay technique. The results obtained, as well as those resulting from previous work, led us to select the nine most promising strains on which we conducted further tests, such as evaluating their coaggregation capacities with various oral species and the production of proinflammatory cytokines by PBMC. We also evaluated the safety of the probiotics by assessing their sensitivity to antibiotics. Their possible involvement in halitosis was investigated by testing their ability to produce volatile sulfur compounds. The results of the agar overlay technique showed that all the lactobacilli strains had an antibacterial activity against Tanerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Fifty-two strains slightly inhibited the growth of P gingivalis and only two had no activity on F. nucleatum. The nine strains tested did not coaggregate with P gingivalis, T forsythia, T denticola or A actinomycetemcomitans. Three strains strongly coaggregated with F nucleatum. Only three strains produced lower IL-6 than the activator at the maximum concentration tested in this study. However, none of the 9 strains produced a greater amount of IL-8 than that obtained with 1 μg/ml of LPS. These results show us that all the strains were sensitive to the antibiotics tested, except for one strain which showed resistance to penicillin. The production of CSV by the strains remained below the threshold of halitosis. Among the 61 strains tested, 9 proved to be of interest including one that was particularly promising.

La cavite buccale est un ecosysteme dynamique et complexe a l'equilibre fragile. A l'occasion de modifications des conditions environnementales ou d'une augmentation de la sensibilite de l'hote, il y a rupture de cet equilibre. L'alteration des conditions locales va permettre la croissance et le developpement d'especes pathogenes jusqu'alors faiblement representees, ce qui va autoriser la survenue de diverses pathologies infectieuses orales. Devant l'insuffisance des solutions apportees par une prise en charge uniquement mecanique, des moyens supplementaires doivent etre envisages. La strategie probiotique ouvre une voie seduisante puisque l'on se propose de remplacer des bacteries pathogenes par des microorganismes ayant des effets benefiques sur la sante orale. L'objectif de ce travail vise donc a identifier des souches probiotiques parmi des isolats oraux de lactobacilles. Pour cela, soixante six souches ont ete evaluees. Afin de predire leur persistance orale, trois methodes differentes d'evaluation de l'adherence ont ete utilisees : une methode sur tube de verre, la methode MATS et un modele de biofilm monoespece. Des etudes in vitro ont ete conduites pour determiner si les lactobacilles pouvaient inhiber des pathogenes carieux (Streptococcus mutans et Actinomyces viscosus) et certains pathogenes parodontaux (Fusobacterium nucleatum et Porphyromonas gingivalis) et pour identifier les mecanismes impliques. Enfin, les capacites fermentaires de certaines souches ont ete appreciees, afin d'eviter l'apparition d'effets deleteres comme la demineralisation carieuse. Trois souches seulement ont montre des capacites d'adherence interessantes. Selon les criteres que nous avions defini pour caracteriser une activite comme antibacterienne, aucune souche n'a inhibe P. gingivalis et 9 souches ont ete retenues pour leur pouvoir inhibiteur contre les autres pathogenes. Le mode d'action precis de l'inhibition reste encore a preciser. Dans les conditions de cette etude, aucune des souches evaluees pour son activite fermentaire n'a presente un risque cariogene. Ce travail a permis de mettre en evidence des souches interessantes soit de part leur adherence soit de part leur activite inhibitrice. Des etudes in vitro complementaires semblent necessaires (evaluation de la stimulation immunitaire, precision sur les mecanismes impliques dans les effets observes) avant de poursuivre sur un modele animal ou des etudes cliniques chez l'Homme.

The aim of this study was to determine the probiotic potential of autochthonous oral lactobacilli. For this, 66 strains were screened for antibacterial activity against two cariogenic strains (Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces viscosus) and two periodontopathogenic strains (Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis). The inhibitory activity was investigated with the agar overlay technique. Positive results led us to explore some mechanisms of action. The ability to produce H(2)O(2) and the glycerol dehydratase gene were searched among all the strains. The gassericin A gene was checked among the Lactobacillus gasseri. All the tested strains inhibited S. mutans and A. viscosus; only one did not inhibited F. nucleatum and 52 strains inhibited slightly the growth of P. gingivalis. No inactivation of antibacterial activity was observed after treatment with proteinase K. The gene of the gassericin A was not found in any strain. Only one strain showed a 275-bp amplicon corresponding to the Glycerol Dehydratase gene. This strain has been identified by DNA 16S sequencing as a L. gasseri. Among the 66 tested strains, 7 produced hydrogen peroxide. Our findings suggest that in addition to the previous results, some of the autochthonous oral lactobacilli tested could be considered as suitable probiotics.

The most abundantly used probiotic strains come from the genus Lactobacillus and only a few studies have investigated their role in oral health. Even if a positive correlation has been established between the saliva Lactobacillus count and dental caries, this genus is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Moreover, lactobacilli could in some cases play a beneficial role by inhibiting the growth of some oral pathogenic bacteria. This activity could justify their use as probiotic. To establish the potential health benefit of probiotic candidates, appropriate in vitro tests are required, particularly on their adhesive capacity.The aim of this work was to investigate the adhesive properties and surface characteristics of 70 oral lactobacilli that could be used as probiotics for oral health.For this, three methods were used: biofilm formation on a glass surface and on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs and the microbial adhesion to solvent method.The results of the biofilm formed on glass surface showed 13 strains with an adhesion score equal to or higher than 3. 57/70 (81%) of the tested lactobacilli did not form any biofilm on glass surfaces. All of the 13 strains formed biofilms on HA discs. Among these 13 strains, 10/13 (77%) showed low surface hydrophobicity (0-35%) and 3/13 (23%) showed medium hydrophobicity (36-70%). Some of the selected strains showed potentially useful adhesive capacity. This work paves the way for the selection of probiotics that could be used for oral health purposes with the aim to reduce carious risk. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

L’herpès labial récurrent est une lésion fréquente dont les manifestations cliniques se limitent le plus souvent à une gêne et à la présence de croûtes disgracieuses. La surinfection des lésions herpétiques a été décrite mais elle reste le plus souvent subclinique. Le cas rapporté décrit une cellulite labiale en rapport avec une ulcération due à un herpès récurrent. Cela souligne la possibilité d’une surinfection potentiellement invalidante dans l’herpès labial récurrent.