Use of ATP Bioluminescence Assay to Evaluate Oral Streptococci

The statistical correlation between the number of oral streptococci and the results of ATP bioluminescence assay was examined and compared with the results from Streptococcus plate counts and an oral bacteria quantification system. Because a significant correlation was found between ATP (RLU) and the number of bacteria in the oral bacteria quantification system for all seven types of oral streptococci examined, ATP would reflect a conditions of oral hygiene. However, using this assay, it was observed it may be difficult to correctly evaluate bacteria that form aggregates. Furthermore, even a small number of bacteria (below 10⁵ CFU/mL) , which cannot be measured by the oral bacteria quantification system, could be estimated by using ATP bioluminescence assay. It was suggested that this assay could be used for quantitative evaluation of the effect of oral cleaning.