Analysis of Cariogenic Bacteria in Saliva of Cancer Patients

Abstract

This study examined salivary flow and salivary pH and the prevalence and levels of cariogenic bacteria in the saliva of oncological patients and healthy controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the levels of microbes including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in the saliva of 41 patients with a solid tumor (SO), 30 patients with a hematologic malignancy (HE), and 40 healthy controls. Salivary flow and pH were lower in oncological patients than in controls. The frequencies of all four cariogenic bacteria were highest in the SO group. S. mutans and L. salivarius were the most commonly detected in all three study groups. Mean numbers of S. sobrinus and L. salivarius in the SO group were significantly higher than in controls (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between patients and controls with respect to mean numbers of S. mutans and L. acidophilus in saliva. However, the proportions of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and L. salivarius versus total bacteria in the SO group were significantly higher than in controls. Within patients, both mean numbers and the proportions of S. mutans and S. sobrinus were significantly different (p<0.05). In summary, significant differences were found in salivary pH values and the levels of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and L. salivarius between SO patients and healthy controls.

Habit-associated salivary pH changes in oral submucous fibrosis: A cross-sectional study

“…[ 19 ] Kang et al . [ 20 ] found that salivary pH was significantly lower in cancer patients. Lime which is a major component of betel quid preparation causes changes in oral environment of chewers.…”

Impact of Saliva and Cariogenic Microbiota on the Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Oncopediatric Patients: A Preliminary Longitudinal Study

“…This methodology is recommended for verifying cases of hyposalivation because it is subject to a lower influence of external factors [ 14 , 18 , 19 ]. Due to operational questions, and seeking to minimize the influence of the circadian rhythm of salivation, collections were always made in the morning period, 1 hour after the last time of tooth brushing and eating, under the same conditions of positioning, lighting, and sounds [ 18 , 19 ]. Initially, the patients were asked to remain seated, in a 90° position, without speaking and moving, with the upper limbs resting on the lower limbs.…”

Oral Manifestations and Salivary pH Changes in Children undergoing Antineoplastic Therapy

“…This change in the mucosa can progress to cell desquamation resulting in symptomatic ulcer, hindering the speech power and alimentation [20]. For most researchers, is mucositis caused by chemotherapy and occurs due to a dynamic process resulting in the destruction of basal cells and its prevalence is among 40% and 76% of 29 patients undergoing chemotherapy [21].…”

“…Conducting a thorough search, we could find only 2 researches; one evaluated [21] children aged between 5 and 12 years and obtained pH 7.8 and rest of the other children 5-11 years and obtained rest of pH 7:27.…”