Analysis of oral bacterial pathogenicity and identification of novel antimicrobial susceptibility factors
Oral Microbiology Field
NAKATA Masanobu
OOGAI Yuichi
Background and objectives of activities
A wide variety of bacteria are found in the oral cavity and are known to be associated not only with dental caries and periodontal disease, but also with a variety of systemic diseases. In particular, oral bacteria that invade the trachea by aspiration are a risk factor for pneumonia and a microorganism that should be considered in a hyper-aged society.
Summary of Activities
Molecular genetic methods are used to analyze the pathogenicity of bacteria found in the oral cavity, such as cariogenic and periodontal bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, they are analyzing extracts of natural products and substances produced by non-pathogenic bacteria that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria to identify new antimicrobial factors.
Expected Benefits
Pathogenicity analysis of oral bacteria and the identification of new antimicrobial susceptibility factors will provide new insights into the control of diseases caused by oral bacteria, thereby contributing to human health.