Streptococcus mutans Growth Inhibition by the Probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG as an Additive to Infant...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Health
• Probiotics

Background:

• * Streptococcus mutans (SM) is a primary etiological agent of dental caries.
• * Probiotics, particularly Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Gorbach Goldin (LGG), have shown potential in suppressing SM.
• * Infant formula composition may influence oral microbial dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To compare the in vitro SM inhibition capacity of bovine infant formula supplemented with LGG probiotic (FWP) versus a plain formulation (FNP).
• * To evaluate the dose-dependent effect of these formulas on SM growth.

Main Methods:

• * Two bovine-based infant formulas (FWP and FNP) were reconstituted at various concentrations (0.1×, 0.5×, 1×, 2×).
• * Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Gorbach Goldin (LGG) suspensions served as positive controls.
• * SM growth was assessed by enumerating colony-forming units (CFU) after incubation on selective agar, with statistical analysis using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

Main Results:

• * Formula with probiotic (FWP) demonstrated significantly less SM growth than the non-probiotic formula (FNP) at concentrations of 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0× (p < 0.001).
• * FWP concentration showed a negative correlation with SM growth (r = -0.864, p < 0.001), indicating dose-dependent inhibition.
• * MANOVA confirmed that both formula type and concentration significantly impacted SM growth (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• * Commercial probiotic-enriched infant formula effectively suppresses Streptococcus mutans growth in vitro.
• * This study provides evidence for the anticariogenic potential of probiotic-supplemented infant formula as a dietary intervention.
• * Further research may explore the clinical implications of these findings for infant oral health.