OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of Yili dark bee propolis on the main cariogenic biofilm and mechanisms.

METHODSSusceptibilities to the ethanolic extract of propolis against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), Streptococcus sanguis (S. sanguis), Actinomyces viscosus (A. viscosus), and Actinomyces naeslundii (A. naeslundii) were analyzed by crystal violet stain method to determine the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). The biofilm was initially cultivated for 24 h. Subsequently, the propolis groups with different concentration MBEC and initial pH 7.0 were cultured for 24 h. Moreover, the pH value was measured to evaluate the acid-producing ability of the tested plaque biofilm. The effects of propolis on the insoluble extracellular polysaccharide synthesis of S. mutans biofilm were evaluated by anthrone method.

RESULTSThe MBEC of Yili propolis on S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. sanguis, A. viscosus, and A. naeslundii were 6.25, 1.56, 3.13, 0.78, and 0.78 mg.mL-1, respectively. Propolis could decrease the ΔpH of the tested plaque biofilm, and the differences between the control and propolis groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). At MBEC, propolis could reduce the ability of S. mutans in synthesizing insoluble extracellular polysaccharides.

CONCLUSIONYili propolis demonstrate remarkable eradicative effects on the cariogenic plaque biofilm, showing inhibition of the synthesis of biofilm-produced acids and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides.

Actinomyces viscosus ; Animals ; Bees ; Biofilms ; Dental Plaque ; Propolis ; Streptococcus mutans ; Streptococcus sanguis ; Streptococcus sobrinus

Neisseria flavescens has been rarely reported as a pathogen in the literature. We experienced a case of N. flavescens bacteremia and lung abscess co-infected with Streptococcus sanguis in patient with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. A 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome complicated with pulmonary thromboembolism. He was given systemic steroids and thrombolytics. After 8 weeks of therapy, a lung abscess appeared on the plain chest radiograph. We treated him with empirical antibiotics and carried out surgical drainage. Two types of microorganisms were cultured from both blood and pus samples, obtained in the first day of hospitalization. Pus was aspirated from the lung abscess with an aseptic technique. Neisseria species and S. sanguis were identified using traditional methods. To confirm the identity of the Neisseria species, we conducted further testing using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing whereupon N. flavescens was identified. This is the first case report of pulmonary infection caused by N. flavescens. We suggest that N. flavescens may act as a pathogen.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteremia ; Drainage ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome ; Lung ; Lung Abscess ; Neisseria ; Pulmonary Embolism ; RNA ; Sepsis ; Steroids ; Streptococcus ; Streptococcus sanguis ; Suppuration ; Thorax

Streptococcus sanguis (S. sanguis) is a gram positive streptococcus bacteria which is found in the normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract. It has low virulence, but it can cause bacterial endocarditis through the blood circulation when dental calculus are removed from the teeth or during surgical treatment. Septic arthritis caused by S. sanguis has been reported as infecting the sternoclavicular joint and the knee joint, but it is a quite rare infectious disease that has not been reported in Korea. Therefore, the authors report a case of the septic arthritis in the knee joint caused by S. sanguis in a patient with osteoarthritis of the knee, who has the history of periodontitis.
Arthritis ; Arthritis, Infectious ; Bacteria ; Blood Circulation ; Communicable Diseases ; Dental Calculus ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; Humans ; Knee ; Knee Joint ; Korea ; Mouth ; Osteoarthritis ; Periodontitis ; Respiratory System ; Sternoclavicular Joint ; Streptococcus ; Streptococcus sanguis ; Tooth

OBJECTIVETo investigate the antagonistic effects of three species of oral Streptococcus on the growth of oral Saccharomyces albicans in vitro.

METHODSDirect inoculation method, reverse inoculation method and mixed culture methods were respectively chosen to observe the changes of Saccharomyces albicans colony formation on the effects of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus salivarius.

RESULTS1) No clear inhibition zone was observed in each of the groups by direct inoculation method. 2) Compared with the control groups, Saccharomyces albicans colony formation on soft agar of Streptococcus sanguis decreased significantly (P < 0.05). 3) Mixed culture method results showed that Streptococcus mutans could inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces albicans significantly at different time points (P = 0.001). 4) Under the action of bacteria culture supernatant, the count of Saccharomyces albicans in experiment groups showed statistical significance when compared with the control groups at 24, 48, 72 h (P = 0.001); The differences among the experimental groups were of no statistical significance at majority times (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONStreptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, and Streptococcus salivarius could obviously inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces albicans in vitro. However, it is still unclear that among which the inhibition effects is stronger. The antagonistic effects is weakened gradually.

In Vitro Techniques ; Saccharomyces ; Streptococcus ; Streptococcus mutans ; Streptococcus sanguis

The objective of this study was to characterize the oxygen dependent regulation of pyruvate oxidase (SpxB) gene expression and protein production in Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis). SpxB is responsible for the generation of growth-inhibiting amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) able to antagonize cariogenic Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Furthermore, the ecological consequence of H2O2 production was investigated in its self-inhibiting ability towards the producing strain. Expression of spxB was determined with quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR and a fluorescent expression reporter strain. Protein abundance was investigated with FLAG epitope engineered in frame on the C-terminal end of SpxB. Self inhibition was tested with an antagonism plate assay. The expression and protein abundance decreased in cells grown under anaerobic conditions. S. sanguinis was resistant against its own produced H2O2, while cariogenic S. mutans was inhibited in its growth. The results suggest that S. sanguinis produces H2O2 as antimicrobial substance to inhibit susceptible niche competing species like S. mutans during initial biofilm formation, when oxygen availability allows for spxB expression and Spx production.
Antibiosis ; physiology ; Bacterial Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Epitopes ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Oligopeptides ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; Peptides ; genetics ; Pyruvate Oxidase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Streptococcus mutans ; drug effects ; Streptococcus sanguis ; enzymology ; genetics ; growth & development ; Transformation, Bacterial

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the adhesion of initial colonizer, Streptococcus sanguis, on resin, titanium and zirconia under the same surface polishing condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens were prepared from Z-250, cp-Ti and 3Y-TZP and polished with 1 microm diamond paste. After coating with saliva, each specimen was incubated with Streptococcus sanguis. Scanning electron microscope, crystal violet staining and measurement of fluorescence intensity resulting from resazurin reduction were performed for quantifying the bacterial adhesion. RESULTS: Surface of resin composite was significantly rougher than that of titanium and zirconia, although all tested specimens are classified as smooth. The resin specimens showed lower value of contact angle compared with titanium and zirconia specimens, and had hydrophilic surfaces. The result of scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that bound bacteria were more abundant on resin in comparison with titanium and zirconia. When total biofilm mass determined by crystal violet, absorbance value of resin was significantly higher than that of titanium or zirconia. The result of relative fluorescence intensities also demonstrated that the highest fluorescence intensity was found on the surface of resin. Absorbance value and fluorescence intensity on titanium was not significantly different from those on zirconia. CONCLUSION: Resin specimens showed the roughest surface and have a significantly higher susceptibility to adhere Streptococcus sanguis than titanium and zirconia when surfaces of each specimen were polished under same condition. There was no significant difference in bacteria adhesion between titanium and zirconia in vitro.
Bacteria ; Bacterial Adhesion ; Biofilms ; Colon ; Diamond ; Electrons ; Fluorescence ; Gentian Violet ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Oxazines ; Saliva ; Streptococcus sanguis ; Titanium ; Xanthenes ; Zirconium

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric method and the applied condition for the normal bacteria in the mouth, as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sanguis (S. sanguis), Haemophilus actinomycetemcomitans (H. actinomycetemcomitans).

METHODSColony forming units (CFU) which was the standard antitheses was used to count bacteria. This study would gain some parameters by changing wavelength, reactive time, dosage and so on. MTT colorimetric method was applied in the counting of S. mutans, S. sanguis and H. actinomycetemcomitans.

RESULTSWhen counting S. mutans, the best wavelength was 510 nm, the best range was 1.5 x 10(5) - 1.0 x 10(7) CFU x mL(-1). When counting S. sanguis, the best wavelength was 545 nm, the best range was 1.5 x 10(5) - 2.0 x 10(7) CFU x mL(-1). When counting H. actinomycetemcomitans, the best wavelength was 557 nm, the best range was 1.0 x 10(6) - 5.0 x 10(7) CFU x mL(-1). MTT colorimetric method can be used for different aged S. mutans, S. sanguis and H. actinomycetemcomitans.

CONCLUSIONOral bacteria could be counted by MTT colorimetric method, which is fast and convenient.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ; Bacteria ; Humans ; Saliva ; Streptococcus mutans ; Streptococcus sanguis

AIMThe purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model to quantitatively describe the passive transport of macromolecules within dental biofilms.

METHODOLOGYFluorescently labeled dextrans with different molecular mass (3 kD, 10 kD, 40 kD, 70 kD, 2000 kD) were used as a series of diffusion probes. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Actinomyces naeslundii and Fusobacterium nucleatum were used as inocula for biofilm formation. The diffusion processes of different probes through the in vitro biofilm were recorded with a confocal laser microscope.

RESULTSMathematical function of biofilm penetration was constructed on the basis of the inverse problem method. Based on this function, not only the relationship between average concentration of steady-state and molecule weights can be analyzed, but also that between penetrative time and molecule weights.

CONCLUSIONThis can be used to predict the effective concentration and the penetrative time of anti-biofilm medicines that can diffuse through oral biofilm. Furthermore, an improved model for large molecule is proposed by considering the exchange time at the upper boundary of the dental biofilm.

Actinomyces ; growth & development ; Algorithms ; Biofilms ; growth & development ; Biological Transport ; Dental Plaque ; microbiology ; Dextrans ; pharmacokinetics ; Diffusion ; Fluorescent Dyes ; pharmacokinetics ; Fusobacterium nucleatum ; growth & development ; Macromolecular Substances ; pharmacokinetics ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Models, Biological ; Molecular Probe Techniques ; Streptococcus mutans ; growth & development ; Streptococcus sanguis ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of compounds of Galla chinensis extract (GCE) and Nidus vespae extract-1 (WVE1) on oral bacteria biofilm structure and activity and to determine the possibility of caries prevention by the compounds.

METHODSThe morphology and activity of treated-oral bacterial biofilm and untreated-oral bacterial biofilm were observed by using fluorescence microscope in combination of idio-fluorochrome to label the died and living bacteria. The visible light semiquantitative method was used to measure biomass glucosyltransferase (GTF, A620) values and to determine the effects of active compounds of GCE and NVE1 on GTF of oral bacteria biofilm.

RESULTSThe living bacteria in the untreated 24 h bacterial biofilm was dominant, and only a small number of died bacteria were found, the biofilm structure was regular and clear. GCE, GCE-B and NVE1 could inhibit the bacteria in the dental biofilm, which showed significant difference with the negative control. GCE and NVE1 could also inhibit GTF activity of 24 h bacterial biofilm in comparison with the negative control.

CONCLUSIONSThe traditional Chinese medicine Galla chinensis and Nidus vespae could not only inhibit bacteria growth on oral bacterial biofilm, but also function by adjusting biofilm structure, composition and GTF activity of 24 h bacterial biofilm.

Actinomyces viscosus ; drug effects ; enzymology ; physiology ; Bacteriological Techniques ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; Dental Caries ; microbiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Glucosyltransferases ; metabolism ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Streptococcus mutans ; drug effects ; enzymology ; physiology ; Streptococcus sanguis ; drug effects ; enzymology ; physiology

OBJECTIVEUsing MBEC-Assay to assay minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of Galla Chinensis and Nidus Vespae to oral bacterial biofilm. To set up traditional Chinese medicine susceptibility pharmacodynamic empirical study methods of oral bacterial biofilm.

METHODSCariogenic bacteria strains were selected (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10556, Lactobacillus rhamnosus AC 413, Actinomyces naeslundii WVU 627) in this study. Extraction components of Galla Chinensis were GCE (aqueous extract), GCE-B (30% alcohol extract) and extraction components of Nidus Vespae were NVE1 (95% alcohol extract). (1) To observe oral bacterial biofilm formatiom in MBEC-Device at different time. (2) MBEC-HTP-Assay: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of GCE, GCE-B and NVE1 to oral bacteria strains were determined.

RESULTSOral bacterial biofilm were readily formed on the lid of MBEC-Device under selected condition (observed by SEM). Oral cariogenic bacteria growing as plankton populations were sensitive to GCE, GCE-B and NVE1. To GCE, GCE-B and NVE1, oral cariogenic bacterial biofilm were 2-16 times less susceptible than growing plankton bacteria. GCE and GCE-B were the most effective medicine against oral cariogenic bacterial biofilm. NVE1 were effective in killing oral-bacterial biofilm at relatively high concentration.

CONCLUSIONGCE and GCE-B were effective medicine against oral cariogenic bacterial biofilm. MBEC (minimal biofilm eradication concentration) can provide a relative accurate medicine concentration for clinical test.

Bacteria ; Biofilms ; Dental Caries ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Streptococcus mutans ; Streptococcus sanguis