Exopolysaccharides of Streptococcus mutans Enhance Oral Colonisation and Drug Tolerance in Helicobacter pylori

Key Points

• The aim is to understand how exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Streptococcus mutans influence Helicobacter pylori colonization and antibiotic tolerance.
• Analyzed the role of S. mutans biofilms in oral H. pylori adhesion and colonization.
• Investigated Gtf-driven biosynthesis of EPS by S. mutans.
• Assessed the impact of EPS on antibiotic tolerance in H. pylori.
• S. mutans biofilms significantly enhance the colonization of H. pylori in oral environments.
• The presence of EPS correlates with increased tolerance of H. pylori to antibiotics.