Characterization of Oral spp. Biofilms in Children and Adults Carriers from Eastern Europe and South America.

BACKGROUND

and non- species (NCACs) are known to colonize and invade various tissues, including the oral mucosa. In this work, we aimed to characterize mature biofilms of several spp. clinical isolates ( = 33) obtained from the oral mucosa of children, adults, and elders of Eastern Europe and South America.

METHODS

Each strain was evaluated for its capacity to form biofilms in terms of total biomass using the crystal violet assay and for matrix components production (proteins and carbohydrates) using the BCA and phenol-sulfuric tests, respectively. The effect of different antifungals on biofilm formation was studied.

RESULTS

in the children's group, a predominance of (81%) was observed, while, among adults, the main species was (59%). Most strains showed a reduced response to antimicrobial drugs when in biofilm form ( < 0.01). Moreover, it was observed that strains isolated from children produced more matrix, with higher levels of protein and polysaccharides.

CONCLUSIONS

children were more likely to be infected by NCACs than adults. More importantly, these NCACs were able to form biofilms richer in matrix components. This finding is of clinical importance, particularly in pediatric care, since stronger biofilms are highly associated with antimicrobial resistance, recurrent infections, and higher therapeutic failure.