Anti-cell-associated glucosyltransferase immunoglobulin Y suppression of salivary mutans streptococci in healthy young adults.

BACKGROUND

The authors evaluated the suppressive effects of lozenges containing egg yolk antibodies (that is, immunoglobulin Y [IgY]) against Streptococcus mutans cell-associated glucosyltransferase (CA-gtf) on oral colonization by mutans streptococci (MS) in healthy young adults.

METHODS

In a five-day double-masked placebo-controlled trial, young adult participants self-administered lozenges containing anti-CA-gtf IgY (Ovalgen DC, GHEN, Gifu-City, Japan) or a placebo at prescribed times each day. On the basis of bacterial colony counts of saliva cultures, the authors analyzed the pretrial and posttrial differences in levels of MS and total anaerobic bacteria among participants in the treatment (anti-CA-gtf IgY) and placebo groups and a control group.

RESULTS

Salivary MS scores in participants in the treatment group decreased significantly (P < .001), and the mean anaerobic bacterial count in the treatment group was not statistically different before and after the trial. In the placebo and control groups, posttrial changes in median MS scores and total salivary anaerobic bacterial counts were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study show that lozenges containing anti-CA-gtf IgY can suppress oral colonization by MS in healthy young adults.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Lozenges containing anti-CA-gtf IgY may help reduce dental caries risk in humans.