Detection of Streptococcus anginosus and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in saliva

Several studies have demonstrated a close association between Streptococcus (S.) anginosus infection and head and neck cancer. Accumulation of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which may result from the continuous generation of reactive oxygen species associated with chronic inflammation, has been reported in human preneoplastic lesions and in cancerous tissues. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the salivary levels of S. anginosus and 8-OHdG in patients with periodontitis. Salivary levels of S. anginosus were measured by real-time PCR. S. anginosus was detected in 28 out of 38 (73.7%) of subjects. The 8-OHdG level was significantly higher in patients positive for S. anginosus than in patients negative for the bacterium. A significant decrease in S. anginosus and 8-OHdG levels was observed after initial periodontal treatment. Our findings indicate that, although the levels of S. anginosus are relatively low, there is a correlation between the salivary level of S. anginosus and 8-OHdG, and that periodontal treatment can decrease the levels of these hazard factors.