Measuring the adhesion of oral streptococci and a yeast (Candida albicans)

What is it about?

Bacteria of the genus Streptococcus and the yeast Candida albicans are part of the normal oral flora. Although oral streptococci are known to be involved in the formation of dental caries and Candida albicans has more recently been pointed as the culprit in more severe caries development, the mechanisms of how these microorganisms grow together are not fully understood. Using a new technology (the xCELLigence real time cell analyzer), we have shown that over time the adhesion of these organisms increases when streptococci and Candida are grown together.

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Why is it important?

This study reinforces the notion that Candida albicans is involved in caries development. It shows the potential of this real-time monitoring technology for future biofilm studies.