Can Your Toothbrush Make You Get New Multidrug Resistance Genes?

A message from your toothbrush would be like .......

"Hello! Good morning! I am happy to make you feel fresh. Thank you for participating in our daily sshhkk shhkk chuckk chuckk mouth freshening activity" - yours ever, Toothbrush

Funny! Isn't it?

Have you ever wondered what happens to your toothbrush once it leaves your mouth?

Well, it turns out, that toothbrushes are like tiny ecosystems, hosting a party of microbes from our mouths and the surrounding environment.

Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of toothbrush microbiomes and what they might mean for our health!

Sounds interesting right?

Your toothbrush isn't just scrubbing away plaque; it's also a bustling neighbourhood for bacteria.

Researchers have delved into this microscopic adventure, studying toothbrushes as a model to understand how our oral-derived microbes cope in the built environment.

In a recent study involving 34 individuals, scientists explored the microbial landscapes of toothbrushes. What they found was quite intriguing!

The toothbrush microbiomes were like a miniature version of our oral ecosystems. They housed familiar oral bacteria and also welcomed some environmental strains.

It's like a microbial meet-and-greet right there in the bathroom!

While the diversity of microbes on toothbrushes was found to be lower compared to those in our mouths, the antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) profiles were surprisingly broad!

These resistance genes are responsible for fending off antimicrobials including some heavy hitters like multidrug efflux genes and triclosan-resistance genes.

These genes provide a sort of microbial defence system, and toothbrushes seem to be packing quite the arsenal!

Well, triclosan is a common ingredient in toothpaste known for its antimicrobial properties.

Now, here's where it gets interesting.

The microbial community on your toothbrush isn't just a random mix. The researchers uncovered a variety of factors tied to personal health, dental habits, and even bathroom features.

It's like your toothbrush is a little detective, picking up clues about your lifestyle!

So, what does all this mean?

Your toothbrush might be more than just a tool for dental care and hygiene; it's a microbial hotspot for a dynamic transfer of genes interplaying between different human and environmental bacterial communities.

The distinct diversity and resistome (the collection of resistance genes) suggest that toothbrushes might act as a reservoir, potentially facilitating the transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes.

For example, toothbrush-associated oqxB, which may confer multidrug resistance (e.g., nitrofuran, tetracycline, quinolone), is common in tap water resistomes.

Stressors in the built environment (e.g., temperature variations, exposures to anthropogenic chemicals, periodic desiccation) may play important roles in elevating toothbrush resistomes.

In a nutshell, our toothbrushes are mini-ecosystems with their own microbial story to tell.

Next time you reach for your toothbrush, remember: it's not just about brushing, it's about hosting a diverse microbial fiesta!

Who knew oral hygiene could be so intriguing?

Post inspiration:

Blaustein, R.A., Michelitsch, LM., Glawe, A.J. et al. Toothbrush microbiomes feature a meeting ground for human oral and environmental microbiota. Microbiome 9, 32 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-020-00983-x

Note:

oqxA and oqxB genes encode an RND (Resistance-Nodulation-Division)-family multidrug efflux pump, OqxAB. It facilitates resistance to olaquindox as well as resistance to other antimicrobials like chloramphenicol.