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Microbes That Cause Cavities Can Form Superorganisms That Can Crawl and Spread

Research led by University of Pennsylvania scientists finds multicellular, cross-kingdom assemblages are more resistant to antimicrobials and removal.

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By: Christine Esposito

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A cross-kingdom partnership between bacteria and fungi can result in the two joining to form a “superorganism” with unusual strength and resilience. Found in the saliva of toddlers with severe childhood tooth decay, these assemblages can effectively colonize teeth. They were stickier, more resistant to antimicrobials, and more difficult to remove from teeth than either the bacteria or the fungi alone, according to the research team, led by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine sci...

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