β-Lactamase Production and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Oral Heterogeneous Fusobacterium nucleatum Populations in Young Children Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the production of beta-lactamase and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Fusobacterium nucleatum isolates from the oral microbiota of young children. The research aimed to identify the frequency of beta-lactamase production among different F. nucleatum subspecies, assess the associated resistance to antibiotics, and evaluate potential alternative treatments for infections caused by this bacterium.
Who was studied?
The study analyzed Fusobacterium nucleatum isolates from oral samples collected from 20 healthy young children, aged 2 to 3.4 years, who had not received systemic antibiotics for at least one month before sample collection. The children were of both genders and were used to determine the prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing F. nucleatum and its antimicrobial resistance patterns.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that 50% of the children harbored Fusobacterium nucleatum strains that produced beta-lactamase, an enzyme responsible for conferring resistance to penicillin. These beta-lactamase-producing strains were identified as F. nucleatum subsp. polymorphum, F. nucleatum subsp. nucleatum, and F. nucleatum subsp. vincentii. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the beta-lactamase-positive strains showed high resistance to penicillin G, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 2 to 256 µg/ml. In contrast, beta-lactamase-negative strains exhibited high susceptibility to penicillin G (MICs ≤ 0.03 µg/ml). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, tetracycline, metronidazole, and trovafloxacin displayed good activity against both beta-lactamase-positive and negative strains, while azithromycin was effective against most F. nucleatum isolates, showing MICs ≤ 2 µg/ml. This indicates that, although F. nucleatum strains commonly produce beta-lactamase, alternative antimicrobials such as tetracycline and metronidazole can still be effective in treating infections.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study highlights the increasing prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing Fusobacterium nucleatum in young children, which poses a significant challenge for antibiotic treatment, particularly with penicillin. The findings underscore the importance of routinely testing for beta-lactamase production in clinical isolates, especially in pediatric infections originating from the oral cavity. Moreover, the study emphasizes the effectiveness of alternative antibiotics, such as tetracycline and metronidazole, in treating infections caused by both beta-lactamase-producing and non-producing F. nucleatum strains. The discovery of high resistance to penicillin in these bacteria supports the need for more targeted antimicrobial therapies and may influence clinical practices for managing oral infections in children.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium commonly found in the oral cavity, where it plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms. Beyond its presence in the mouth, Fn is implicated in a variety of systemic conditions, including periodontal disease, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Known for its ability to coaggregate with other bacteria, Fn's pathogenic potential is magnified in dysbiotic microbial communities, making it a key player in polymicrobial infections. The bacterium utilizes multiple virulence factors such as FadA and Fap2, which facilitate adhesion to host tissues and immune evasion, ultimately contributing to its role in chronic and inflammatory diseases.