Microbial Changes Occurring During Oronasal Fistula Wound Healing
The oral microbiome is a complex community that matures with dental development and is recognized as a risk factor for systemic disease. Despite the oral cavity having a substantial microbial burden, healing of superficial oral wounds occurs quickly and with little scarring. By contrast, creation of...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/2/327 |
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| Summary: | The oral microbiome is a complex community that matures with dental development and is recognized as a risk factor for systemic disease. Despite the oral cavity having a substantial microbial burden, healing of superficial oral wounds occurs quickly and with little scarring. By contrast, creation of an oro-nasal fistula (ONF), often occurring after surgery to correct a cleft palate, is a significant wound healing challenge. Methods: In this study, we characterized the changes in the oral microbiome of mice following a freshly inflicted wound in the oral palate that results in an open and unhealed ONF. Results: Creation of an ONF in mice significantly lowered oral microbiome alpha diversity, with concurrent blooms of <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, <i>Staphylococcus lentus</i>, and Staphylococcus xylosus in the oral cavity. Treatment with oral antibiotics one week before ONF infliction reduced microbiome alpha diversity and prevented <i>E. faecalis</i>, <i>S. lentus</i>, and S. xylosus blooms, but did not impact ONF healing. Conclusions: An ONF in the murine palate leads to a dysbiotic oral microbiome and a bloom of opportunistic pathogens that may prevent ONF healing. Delivery of therapeutics that accelerate ONF healing might restore oral microbiome diversity and inhibit blooms of opportunistic pathogens. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |