Surface properties of lactobacilli isolated from healthy subjects

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Lactobacilli are considered cariogenic micro‐organismS. As oral species of lactobacilli have not been thoroughly described, the aim of this work was to isolate and identify these organisms from teeth, tongue, saliva and gum of healthy patients and to describe some of their surface properties. SUBJECTS: Forty‐four subjects from Tucumán, Argentina, with D, d and M, m indices equal to 0. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were obtained from different areas of the oral cavity. Microorganisms were cultured in lactobacilli selected media (LBS) and identified morphologically and biochemically. Hydrophobicity was analysed by partition in organic solvents, acidity by affinity with chloroform and basicity with ethyl acetate (MATH method), aggregation and coaggregation in presence of (NH4)2SO4, and haemagglutination with ABO erythrocytes in microplates. RESULTS: Eighty‐five lactobacilli were isolated; 29.4% were homofermenter, 44.7% facultative heterofermenter and 25.9% obligate heterofermenter. Predominant species were L.fermentum, L.plantarum, L.salivarius, and L.rhamnosus. Most of the strains showed moderate to high hydrophobicity and demonstrated high acid and basic surface charges with almost 40% showing salt aggregation. Few strains haemagglutinated. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of Lactobacillus species were isolated from healthy mouths, some of whom showed adhesion‐related properties such as high hydrophobicity and charged surfaceS. Probable mechanisms related to the ecological behaviour of lactobacilli in the oral cavity are discussed.

Advances in the design of probiotic products for the prevention of major diseases in dairy cattle

“…The majority of the strains isolated from the three ecosystems were shown to be nonhydrophobic. These results are diVerent from those obtained in strains isolated from human vaginal tract [18], or oral cavity [4]. These diVerences could indicate some characteristic of speciWc ecological niches or tracts, but further studies should be performed to increase the knowledge in the speciWc bovine host.…”

Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli Colonization in Predentate Children from the Neonatal Period to Seven Months of Age

“…Although we did not determine the Lactobacillus species found in the children and their mothers, it is likely that these belong to common commensal groups such as L. salivarius, which constitute part of the normal oral flora [Colloca et al, 2000]. The association of natural birth with LB colonization found in the present study extends the results of previous studies that showed that maternal transmission of LB to her infant through natural birth is possible [Tannock et al, 1990;Matsumiya et al, 2002].…”

“…Furthermore, a recent study showed that soft-tissue colonization by cariogenic streptococcal species occurs at a greater rate than colonization of the teeth [Gizani et al, 2009]. Lactobacillus species have also been reported to preferentially adhere to the mucosa of the tongue and gingival mucosa compared to other sites [Michalek et al, 1981;Colloca et al, 2000]. Additionally, although there are several crosssectional studies on the prevalence of Lactobacillus species in children at various ages [Alaluusua, 1993;Bokhout et al, 1996;Aguilera Galaviz et al, 2005], there have been few longitudinal studies on the colonization of Lactobacillus species in predentate children, as previous investigations have largely focused on children with erupted teeth [Teanpaisan et al, 2007].…”

Photodynamic Effects of Curcumin Against Cariogenic Pathogens

“…This characteristic could promote the ability of the bacterial surface hydrophobicity to adapt to environmental changes. [8][9][10][11] The best known determinants of cariogenicity in lactobacilli are their capacity to produce acids and their ability to grow and survive in an acidic environment. [12][13][14][15] The presence of S. mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus in dental biofilm has been used as an indicator of cariogenic biofilm.…”