16s rRNA Based Metagenomic Analysis of Oral Microbiome among Stunted Children Given Zinc as Adjuvant Therapy Following Scaling Root Planing

Harahap, Wirsma Arif and Kasuma, Nila and Juwita, Dinda Ratna and Ernesto, Gian and Wirza, Thifla Rafifa and Effendi, Muhammad Dzaky Sayyid and Bobby, Bobby and Abdani, Fathan Alif 16s rRNA Based Metagenomic Analysis of Oral Microbiome among Stunted Children Given Zinc as Adjuvant Therapy Following Scaling Root Planing. [Dataset] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Stunting is a complex global problem affecting millions of children, which is the result of chronic undernourishment as well as underlying health conditions. In this research we assess the effect of zinc supplementation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on the oral microbiome of stunted children, utilizing 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis. The primary aim was to evaluate changes in microbial diversity and composition, providing insights into zinc’s potential role in restoring oral microbial balance and enhancing periodontal health. A controlled experimental design was employed, involving stunted children with gingivitis who underwent SRP, with one group receiving zinc supplementation. Salivary samples were collected pre- and post-intervention for microbiome analysis using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Microbial diversity metrics, including alpha and beta diversity, and relative abundances of key taxa were assessed to determine the intervention’s impact. The findings showed that zinc supplementation resulted in an increase in microbial diversity and decrease of some pathogenic taxa, such as Prevotella and Veillonella, while also increasing the abundance of the beneficial genus Haemophilus. Alpha diversity metrics, including Shannon and Simpson indices, showed substantial improvement post-intervention, reflecting enhanced microbial richness and evenness. Beta diversity analyses demonstrated distinct clustering patterns in the zinc group, indicating significant shifts in microbial composition. Correlation analysis targeted the disruption of synergies between pathogenic bacteria and the stabilization of commensals. This study underscores zinc’s potential as an adjunctive therapy to SRP, effectively modulating oral microbiota and addressing dysbiosis in stunted children. These results highlight the need to integrate oral health care practices as part of wider strategies to tackle stunting. More research needs to be done on zinc supplementation and its possible long term effects and molecular pathways with the purpose of developing suitable interventions for vulnerable people.

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