Metagenome sequencing-based strain-level and functional characterization of supragingival microbiome associated with dental caries in children

ABSTRACTStudies of the microbiome associated with dental caries have largely relied on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, which is associated with PCR biases, low taxonomic resolution, and inability to accurately study functions. Here, we employed whole metagenome shotgun sequencing, coupled with high-resolution analysis algorithm, to analyze supragingival microbiomes from 30 children with or without dental caries. A total of 726 bacterial strains belonging to 406 species, in addition to 34 bacteriophages were identified. A core bacteriome was identified at the species and strain levels. Species of Prevotella, Veillonella, as yet unnamed Actinomyces, and Atopobium showed strongest association with caries; Streptococcus sp. AS14 and Leptotrichia sp. Oral taxon 225, among others, were overabundant in caries-free. For several species, the association was strain-specific. Furthermore, for some species, e.g. Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis, sister strains showed differential associations. Noteworthy, ...