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In vitro evaluation of probiotics microorganisms adhesion to an artificial caries model

Abstract

Objective:

This in vitro study compared the adhesion of two probiotics microorganisms (Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Lactobacillus acidophilus) to an artificial caries model.

Method:

In total, 30 bovine teeth were longitudinally sectioned, excluding the lingual half surface. The specimens were covered with nail varnish, except for an area of 3 by 5 mm in dentin, suspended in an artificial caries solution promoted by Streptococcus mutans, and incubated at 37°C. After 14 days, the specimens were separated equally into two groups and transferred to a brain heart infusion culture media containing L. acidophilus (group A) and L. casei Shirota (group S), at 37°C. After 48 h, the exposed area of dentin was washed with 1 ml of distilled water and the caries dentin was removed and dispersed in 1 ml of saline solution. The samples of distilled water and caries dentin were diluted and inoculated in Rogosa selective Lactobacillus agar. The results in CFU/ml were analysed by the Mann–Whitney test.

Results:

There was no significant difference between Groups A and S for the lactobacilli count in samples of distilled water (P=0.237).

Conclusions:

The amount of L. acidophilus in the artificially caries dentin was significantly superior compared to L. casei Shirota (P=0.047), suggesting an inferior adhesion potential for this microorganism.

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Correspondence to L M Lima.

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Lima, L., Motisuki, C., Madalena Palomari Spolidorio, D. et al. In vitro evaluation of probiotics microorganisms adhesion to an artificial caries model. Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 884–886 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602158

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