A spatial gradient of bacterial diversity in the human oral cavity shaped by salivary flow

摘要: Spatial and temporal patterns in microbial communities provide insights into the forces that shape them, their functions roles health disease. Here, we used spatial ecological statistics to analyze role saliva plays structuring bacterial of human mouth using >9000 dental mucosal samples. We show regardless tissue type (teeth, alveolar mucosa, keratinized gingiva, or buccal mucosa), surface-associated vary along an gradient from front back mouth, on exposed tooth surfaces, is pronounced lingual compared surfaces. Furthermore, our data suggest this attenuated individuals with low salivary flow due Sjogren’s syndrome. Taken together, findings imply influences organization biogeographical may be useful for understanding host physiological processes predicting