In-vitro Data Published on BLIS K12 Evaluating Effects on Growth of Oral Candidiasis
The study entitled “Effect of Streptococcus salivarius K12 on the In Vitro Growth of Candida albicans and its Protective Effect in an Oral Candidiasis Model” has been published online ahead of print in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
17 April 2012 --- Stratum Nutrition has announced the publication of an in vitro study evaluating Streptococcus salivarius K12 (probiotic branded as BLIS K12) for its ability to modulate Candida albicans growth. The study entitled “Effect of Streptococcus salivarius K12 on the In Vitro Growth of Candida albicans and its Protective Effect in an Oral Candidiasis Model” has been published online ahead of print in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
The study’s abstract explains that oral candidiasis is often accompanied by severe inflammation, resulting in a decline in the quality of life of immune-suppressed individuals and elderly people. The non-pathogenic, commensal oral probiotic microorganism, Streptococcus salivarius K12, was evaluated for its ability to modulate Candida albicans (C. albicans) growth in vitro, and its therapeutic activity in an experimental oral candidiasis model was tested. In vitro inhibition of mycelial growth of C. albicans was determined by plate assay and fluorescence microscopy. Addition of S. salivarius K12 to modified RPMI 1640 culture medium inhibited the adherence of C. albicans to the plastic petri dish in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-culture of S. salivarius K12 potentiated its inhibitory activity for adherence of C. albicans. Interestingly, S. salivarius K12 was not directly fungicidal, but appeared to inhibit C. albicans adhesion to the substrate by preferentially binding to hyphae rather than yeast.
To determine the potentially anti-infective attributes of S. salivarius K12 in oral candidiasis, the probiotic was administered to mice with orally induced candidiasis. The study demonstrated increased levels of S. salivarius K12 had a beneficial effect on the oral candidiasis in the mice. These findings suggest that S. salivarius K12 may inhibit the process of invasion of C. albicans into mucous surfaces or its adhesion to denture acrylic resins by mechanisms not associated with the antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin and may be useful as a probiotic for oral care, especially with regard to candidiasis.
"This research represents further evidence that the BLIS K12 probiotic plays an important role in maintaining good oral health and protecting the mouth and throat from the potential of invading pathogens," said Dr Barry Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of BLIS Technologies. "We believe that both the in vitro data and this animal model strongly points to beneficial effect in the human oral cavity and we expect further human studies to confirm this."
Stratum Nutrition recently introduced the probiotic BLIS K12 as part of its portfolio of specialty bioactive ingredients. BLIS K12 is a specific strain of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), some of the most important, numerous and beneficial bacteria found in the mouth of healthy individuals. This probiotic strain secretes powerful molecules called Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory Substances to help provide natural long-term protection from bad breath, as well as support for our immune system’s natural defenses.
