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When mouth microbes pal up, infection ensues
Benign oral bacteria provides energy boost for pathogen
SUPER SIDEKICK This benign bacterium (Streptococcus gordonii) doesn’t usually cause disease. But new research suggests that it might help other dangerous bacteria become more powerful.
Nature's Geometry/Science Source
Normally harmless mouth bacteria can be a bad influence. When they pal around with tooth- and gum-attacking microbes, they can help those pathogens kick into high gear. This teamwork lets infections spread more easily — but also could offer a target for new treatments, scientists report online June 28 in mBio.
