Polymicrobial detection and metabolomics in saliva of children with early childhood caries

Cariogenic microorganisms as well as salivary metabolic status in early childhood caries (ECC) have been reported to differ from that in adult caries. The main aim of this study was to identify specific microbial species and salivary metabolites in children with ECC using species-specific qPCR and untargeted metabolomic approach. Scardovia wiggsiae, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus salivarius and Candida albicans were more prevalent in ECC group. Prevalence of ECC was higher in children with two targeted species present. Histidine metabolism and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation were activated in ECC group, while glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, Purine and Pyrimidine metabolism were inhibited. Histidine and glutathione metabolism was activated with enrichment of targeted microorganism, while linoleic acid and biotin metabolism was inhibited. These findings suggest that detection / co-detection of targeted microorganisms can well describe caries status in children. Microbial and metabolite biomarkers can be used in caries control for children.