Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Shows Promise in Monitoring Oral Bacterial Pathogens

Strategic Insights -

Wastewater-based epidemiology has been successfully used to track viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and polio, but its application in monitoring common dental bacterial pathogens has yet to be explored. A study published on medrxiv.org investigates the presence and prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in wastewater to determine the feasibility of using WBE for oral pathogens. The study collected 100 untreated wastewater samples from a local treatment plant over a 24-month period and detected high levels of these bacteria, indicating a potential transmission mechanism through water.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 89% and 58% of wastewater samples were positive for Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, respectively, demonstrating the feasibility of WBE for oral pathogens.
  • Average concentrations of Streptococcus mutans were 4.57 log10 genome copies/L, while Porphyromonas gingivalis concentrations averaged 3.03 log10 genome copies/L.
  • Detections of oral bacteria were observed in both primary and final effluent, but concentrations were significantly lower in the final effluent than untreated wastewater.
  • The high levels of oral bacteria in wastewater suggest a potential transmission mechanism for these bacteria through water, specifically for Streptococcus mutans.
  • The study highlights the unique potential for WBE to be used in the surveillance of oral bacterial pathogens.

Statistics:

  • 100 untreated wastewater samples were collected over a 24-month period.
  • 89% of samples were positive for Streptococcus mutans.
  • 58% of samples were positive for Porphyromonas gingivalis.
  • Average concentrations of Streptococcus mutans were 4.57 log10 genome copies/L.
  • Average concentrations of Porphyromonas gingivalis were 3.03 log10 genome copies/L.

Sources:

  • medrxiv.org: "Wastewater-based epidemiology for tracking oral bacterial pathogens: a 24-month study" (2025.07.03.25330793v2)