Scientists Describes Evolution of Neisseriaceae Oral Bacteria as New Model Organisms Help Pinpoint New Antimicrobial Targets

Bacteria have probably developed to divide across their longitudinal axis without severing from one another in order to thrive in the oral cavity.

Recently, fresh findings from microbial geneticists and environmental cell biologists were presented.

They discussed the evolution of these caterpillar-like bacteria from a rod-shaped progenitor as well as their manner of division in their paper.

Neisseriaceae oral bacteria are proposed to be established as new model organisms that might aid in identifying new antibiotic targets.

Bacteria like caterpillars are in our mouths

(Photo : CDC/Unsplash)

Although the microbiota of our mouth, which contains over 700 different species of bacteria, is as complex as that of our gut, little is understood about how oral bacteria develop and reproduce.

Bacteria have a hard time surviving in the mouth, as per ScienceDaily.

The research team's next step involved using electron microscopy to examine bacterial cell form throughout the Neisseriaceae family, which includes the two common cell shapes in addition to the filaments that resemble caterpillars.

They were able to deduce that the multicellular, longitudinally dividing bacteria developed out of rod-shaped, transversally dividing bacteria by comparing the genomes and cell morphologies of Neisseriaceae members.

Additionally, they were able to identify the genes that were most likely in charge of the peculiar multiplication method.

They next compared the genetic make-up of these with traditional, rod-shaped species, using fluorescent labeling techniques to examine the multicellular bacteria's cell development progression.

Despite being unable to make rod-shaped bacteria multicellular, genetic tinkering led to the development of longer and thinner cells.

They hypothesized that the cell shape evolved throughout the course of evolution by a reworking of the elongation and division processes, maybe to better thrive in the oral cavity, Frédéric Veyrier (INRS).

Multicellular Neisseriaceae may be helpful in studying how bacteria came to learn to survive attached to the surface of animals, which is the only location they have been discovered to occur so far, in addition to helping us comprehend how cell structure evolved.

"By the way, half of us are carrying them in our mouths," said Silvia Bulgheresi from the University of Vienna's Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology.

Also Read: Up To 80 Million Bacteria in a Single Kiss?

Ways to prevent oral infection and bacteria

Maintaining good dental hygiene is the simplest strategy to reduce your chances of developing diseases or oral health issues. Everyone has varied needs and abilities, which is acknowledged by the American Dental Association, as per the Sepsis Alliance.

You must use fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily to brush your teeth. If you struggle to properly brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush, think about switching to an electric one.

If your risk of cavities is higher, think about using a fluoride mouthwash at least once daily. Daily flossing or the use of a cleaning tool will help you to clean in between your teeth.

Eat less sugar and sweets. If you smoke, put an end to it.

According to your dentist's suggestions, see your dentist frequently.

It's important to visit your dentist if you experience any of the following: a toothache, even if it goes away; sensitivity to hot or cold; bad breath (which could be an indication of infection); inflamed and/or bleeding gums; any changes in color or appearance of lumps on your tongue, cheeks, gums, or palate; and lastly, unusually dry mouth.

Use this chance to remind yourself to schedule your regular dental appointment if you've been putting it off.

Everyone involved in oral health, including dentists, is aware of the anxiety some people have while visiting the dentist. Don't let embarrassment hold you back. Your physical well-being comes first.