Comparative evaluation of efficacy of various probiotics on Streptococcus species

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Probiotics which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. The role of probiotics is the replacement of pathogenic species with non-pathogenic species. Dairy food like cheese, curd and milk are considered as useful vehicles to carry probiotic bacteria. Aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of various probiotics against different Streptococcus species.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Three probiotic products viz probiotic milk, probiotic yogurt and probiotic capsules were used. <em>Streptococcus</em> species i.e. <em>S. mutans, S. sanguinis</em> and <em>S. sobrinus</em> were isolated from the saliva of children with moderate to high caries. 0.2 ml of each probiotic product was transferred to the blood agar plates coated with <em>Streptococcus</em> species. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The zone of inhibition was observed in all the test groups, for all the <em>Streptococcus</em> species against all the probiotics, highest for <em>S. mutans</em> against probiotic milk. The growth of <em>S. mutans, S. sanguinis</em> and <em>S. sobrinus</em> was inhibited by <em>L. casei shirota</em> present in probiotic milk (Yakult), <em>Lactobacilli acidophilus</em> present in probiotic yogurt (Actiplus nestle) followed by <em>Lactobacilli rhamnosus</em> present in pre and probiotic capsule (Inlife).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The use of probiotic products that are readily available and cost effective like milk and yogurt can be inculcated in general population especially in children as a preventive tool for dental caries. </p>