Abstract:Biofilm formation contributes to the virulence of various pathogens, as the extracellular polymer matrix provides protection against the host immune defense and antimicrobial drugs. Biofilm-associated diseases often become chronic and recurring. The periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, which resides in a multispecies biofilm in the subgingival pocket, produces multiple virulence factors that can contribute to disease progression. Certain strains of the species are naturally competent, wh… Show more
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