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Which of the following health issues is caused by biofilm colonization?

a) Influenza
b) Tuberculosis
c) Dental plaque
d) Malaria

User Rin
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Dental plaque is the health issue caused by biofilm colonization. Streptococcus mutans plays a key role in the development of biofilms in dental plaque, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the health issues caused by biofilm colonization, the correct answer is c) Dental plaque. Biofilms are dense microbial communities that adhere to surfaces and are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. The most important contributor to biofilms in plaque is Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is notorious for its role in tooth decay and gum disease. Biofilms can also have serious implications in healthcare environments, as they can grow on medical devices and contribute to nosocomial infections which are very difficult to treat due to the high resistance of biofilms against antibiotics.

User Neil McGuigan
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