Bacteriophage isolation from human saliva: a pilot study with high school students

Abstract

The microbiome of the human oral cavity is composed of numerous and diverse bacteria, archaea, eukarya and viruses [1]. Bacteriophages (abbreviated phages) are bacterial viruses that can attack and kill a target bacterium within minutes of infection. Very little is known about the impact of phages on the ecology of the oral microbiome and the aetiology of diseases of the oral cavity [2]. The lytic capacity of some phages suggests, that this may be promising antimicrobial agents that could be used to prevent or treat oral diseases [3]. The study aimed to isolate bacteriophages specific for Streptococcus mutans (causal agent of dental caries) and Enterococcus faecalis (causative agent of persistent apical periodontitis) from human saliva with the engagement of high school students in scientific research.