ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine in vivo association between Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Streptococcus mutans (Sm) in aggressive periodontitis patients (AgP) and the in vitro influence on Sm of saliva and of Aa strains isolated from individual Aa-positive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical indices and saliva samples were taken from 30 AgP patients. Aa and mutans streptococci levels were determined. Antibacterial effect of saliva from 12 Aa-positive patients, and their individual Aa strain, was checked turbidimetrically in vitro on Sm. RESULTS: Aa salivary level was inversely correlated with levels of mutans streptococci and directly correlated with pockets of ≥7 mm. During exponential growth phase: (i) All Aa-positive and Aa-negative saliva samples showed no significant influence on Sm growth. (ii) Each individually isolated Aa strain presented significant inhibitory effect on Sm growth. During stationary growth phase, all the above demonstrated an inhibitory effect on Sm growth, with significantly greater influence of Aa individual strains. CONCLUSION: Saliva of each AgP Aa-positive subject had an inhibitory effect on Sm growth, which is most likely derived from Aa bacterial physiology. This research raises the possibility that suppression of Aa due to periodontal treatment may increase Sm levels and hence caries incidence.
Subject(s)
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/physiology , Antibiosis , Periodontitis/microbiology , Saliva/microbiology , Streptococcus mutans/growth & development , Adolescent , Adult , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/isolation & purification , Coculture Techniques , Culture Media, Conditioned , Female , Humans , Male , Streptococcus mutans/isolation & purification , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to test the association between Candida and mutans streptococci (ms), oral hygiene and caries levels and in children. METHODS: 22 boys and 12 girls (age 6 to 14.5 years) participated in the study. Each participant received a toothbrush, and was asked to brush his/her teeth after proper instructions. Dental caries and oral hygiene were recorded. Candida and ms levels were determined in saliva samples. RESULTS: Candida colonies were observed in 70.5% of the children. No association was found between Candida and caries or plaque and gingival indices. C. albicans-positive children demonstrated significantly higher brushing scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may suggest that there is no clear association between Candida in saliva, and levels of cariogenic bacteria and caries risk in children.