New bacterial species found in human mouth

LONDON, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- British scientists say they have discovered a new species of bacteria in the human mouth. The Kings College London Dental Institute researchers led by Professor William Wade said their finding could further expand science's understanding of tooth decay and gum disease. "The healthy human mouth is home to a tremendous variety of microbes including viruses, fungi, protozoa and bacteria," said Wade. "The bacteria are the most numerous: there are 100 million in every milliliter of saliva and more than 600 different species in the mouth. Around half of these have yet to be named and we are trying to describe and name the new species." The scientists found three strains of bacteria called Prevotella that could not be identified. Prevotella species are part of the normal microbial flora in humans and are... [read full story]