Molecular Methods for Characterizing Oral Microbiota in African Populations: A Scoping Review.

The human oral cavity harbors one of the most diverse microbial communities in the body, comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea that collectively form the oral microbiota. These microorganisms play important roles in maintaining oral and systemic health. However, dysbiosis in the oral microbiome has been associated with several diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Advances in molecular biology have significantly improved the characterization of microbial communities. Traditional culture-based methods detect only a small fraction of microorganisms present in complex microbiomes. In contrast, molecular approaches such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and whole genome sequencing enable a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of microbial diversity and abundance. Despite global advances in microbiome research, African populations remain underrepresented in oral microbiome studies. Differences in diet, genetics, environmental exposures, oral hygiene practices, and access to dental care may influence the composition of oral microbial communities in African populations. Additionally, the molecular techniques used across studies vary widely, which can affect the interpretation and comparability of findings. Understanding the molecular methods used to characterize oral microbiota in African populations is essential for identifying research gaps, improving methodological approaches, and guiding future microbiome research on the continent.