Studies on the Antibacterial Factors of Human Saliva

Abstract

In previous studies it was found that the growth of 110 of 169 strains of bacteria tested was prevented by human saliva (Bibby, Clough and Hine, 1938). This effect was more marked against some types of organisms than against others, those most affected being bacilli and cocci isolated from air and water; those least affected, organisms isolated from the mouth. Differences occurred in the inhibitory potency of saliva from individual to individual and from time to time. Dissimilarities were noted between the agent effective against Micrococcus lysodeikticus and that acting on strains of lactobacilli, streptococci, and staphylococci. The former activity was removed by Berkefeld-N filtra

Simple and rapid procedure for the selective removal of lysozyme from human saliva

“…It should be recognized that the general approach adopted here, i.e., that of using a bacterium as an absorbent of a salivary antibacterial substance, was explored almost 40 years ago (25). Among other studies, the investigators reported that incubation of M. lysodeikticus with saliva in the cold for 24 h resulted in the removal of an anti-staphylococcal factor.…”

“…The constituents of saliva that contribute to its role in the maintenance of oral health include buffers, mucins and glycoproteins (hydration and lubrication of epithelial surfaces), and antibacterial factors (3,15,16,18). The antibacterial properties of saliva have long been recognized (10,25) but had received relatively little attention until knowledge of the composition of the oral flora associated with states of health and disease (caries, periodontal diseases, mucosal infections) accumulated (3,16).…”

Defense mechanisms in the mouth and their possible role in the prevention of dental caries: A review

“…For many years it has been reeognized that there are substances presetit in saliva which can inhibit the growth of lactobacilli (Hill 1939, Kesteren et al 1942, Kerr & Wedderburn 1958, Green 1959, Zeldow 1959. This antilactobacillus substatice has been shown by Dogon & Amdur (1970) to be cotiiposed of two thiocyanate-dependent systems.…”

Inhibition of a Collagenase by the Human Gingival Microbiota

“…Interactions between the members of a complex indigenous microbiota could be critical determinants of the delicate biochemical balance between the cohabiting microorganisms and the tissues of their host, the status of which determines the relative states of health and disease (Dubos, 1954). The existence of such complex, but little understood, interrelationships in the oral cavity is evident (Bibby et al, 1938;Van Kesteren et al, 1942;Bj6rnesjo, 1950;Thompson and Johnson, 1951). Although numerous antagonisms between members of the oral microbiota have been described, as manifested by inhibition of growth (reviewed by Rosebury et al, 1954), few instances have been reported of the inhibition of a specific biochemical activity of one microorganism by other microorganisms.…”