RECOVERY OF LACTOBACILLUS STRAIN-GG (ATCC-53103) FROM SALIVA OF HEALTHY-VOLUNTEERS AFTER CONSUMPTION OF YOGURT PREPARED WITH THE BACTERIUM

Lactobacillus GG exerts inhibitory activity against a variety of bacte rial species and it appears beneficial as a probiotic in human medicin e. The bacterium does not ferment sucrose and lactose which makes it i nteresting with respect to dental diseases. We studied the recovery of Lactobacillus GG in the oral cavities of nine subjects who consumed y oghurt produced with the strain twice daily for 7 days. The bacterium could be recovered in the saliva samples of all subjects one week afte r discontinuation of the consuming of the yoghurt. In eight subjects o ut of nine the saliva cultures were still positive 2 wks later. Thus, Lactobacillus GG appears to be able to colonise the oral cavity, altho ugh further studies are needed in order to determine any influence on the microecology of the mouth.