Analysis of the Streptococcus mutans UA159 transcriptome upon treatment with chlorhexidine and amoxicillin. Transcriptomic response in planktonic and biofilm cells of S. mutans treated with sublethal concentrations of chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine and amoxicillin are among the most common agents to treat oral infections. While administered at high concentrations, factors such as low bioavailability and biofilms, can often lead to sublethal concentrations of the antimicrobial at target sites in clinically relevant settings. Such concentrations can cause transcriptional remodelling of target pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans a key player in dental caries biofilms, leading to different physiological responses. Using an RNA-seq approach, this study provides a compendium into how subinhibitory concentrations of chlorhexidine affect the transcriptome of S. mutans both in planktonic and biofilms states. Additionally, for comparison purposes, amoxicillin was applied to the biofilm form of S. mutans.