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Open Access 01-12-2022 | COVID-19 Vaccination | Research

Alterations in the oral microbiome of individuals with a healthy oral environment following COVID-19 vaccination

Authors: Osamu Uehara, Yoshihiro Abiko, Toshiyuki Nagasawa, Tetsuro Morikawa, Daichi Hiraki, Fumiya Harada, Yutaka Kawano, Seiko Toraya, Hirofumi Matsuoka, Durga Paudel, Shintaro Shimizu, Koki Yoshida, Masahiro Asaka, Yasushi Furuichi, Hiroko Miura

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Several reports suggest that the microbiome of the digestive system affects vaccine efficacy and that the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with decreased diversity of the oral and/or intestinal microbiome. The present study examined the effects of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine on the oral microbiome.

Methods

Forty healthy Japanese oral healthcare personnel were recruited, and unstimulated saliva was collected before vaccination, after the 1st vaccination, and after the 2nd vaccination. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples, and PCR amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Microbial diversity and composition were analyzed using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology 2. In addition, alterations in microbial function were assessed using PICRUSt2.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination significantly increased oral bacterial diversity and significantly decreased the proportion of the genus Bacteroides.

Conclusions

The SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine alters the oral microbiome; accordingly, vaccination might have beneficial effects on oral health.

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Title: Alterations in the oral microbiome of individuals with a healthy oral environment following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Osamu Uehara
Yoshihiro Abiko
Toshiyuki Nagasawa
Tetsuro Morikawa
Daichi Hiraki
Fumiya Harada
Yutaka Kawano
Seiko Toraya
Hirofumi Matsuoka
Durga Paudel
Shintaro Shimizu
Koki Yoshida
Masahiro Asaka
Yasushi Furuichi
Hiroko Miura
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination
SARS-CoV-2
Oral Microbiota
COVID-19
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02093-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Alterations in the oral microbiome of individuals with a healthy oral environment following COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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