Degree
Master of Science
Program
Microbiology and Immunology
Supervisor
Dr. Gregor Reid
Abstract
The oral cavity contains many different surfaces all colonized by prokaryotes, of which over 700 have been identified. While almost all people have some degree of plaque formation, the more concerning diseases of caries, candidiasis and periodontal disease afflict many patients and represent a major public health concern. As these are all diseases which have a component attributable to parts of the microbiota, efforts to manipulate the microbes has until recently involved use of antimicrobial agents. However, due to side effects, resistance and failure to restore homeostasis, this approach is limited. As an alternative, the administration of beneficial microbes (probiotics) has been considered. In this thesis, probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 and M18 and their by-products were shown to interfere with adhesion and coaggregation of pathogenic bacteria and yeast, and lower inflammatory factors. A human trial of healthy subjects showed the probiotics to be safe and not induce inflammation or disrupt the indigenous microbiota.
Recommended Citation
MacDonald, Kyle W., "The Role of Streptococcus salivarius as a Modulator of Homeostasis in the Oral Cavity" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2816.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2816