Effect of Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 Application on Palatal Wound Healing: An in Vivo Study

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often deal with skin wounds, where the healing process involves phases such as inflammation and remodelling. Excessive inflammation can disrupt healing, leading to complications such as abnormal scarring and impaired tissue regeneration. Probiotics, especially strains such as Streptococcus salivarius K12, show promise in modulating inflammation and enhancing wound healing. Recent studies have aimed to explore how these probiotics affect inflammatory markers during wound healing, potentially offering new therapeutic benefits.

This quasi-experimental study, conducted in June-July 2023 at IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, included 24 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly assigned to two groups: one was treated with Streptococcus salivarius K12, and the other was the control group. The treated group's palatal wounds received Streptococcus salivarius K12, covered with a daily-changed mucosal patch, whereas the control group received only the patch. Four rats per group were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 14. Wound areas were examined histopathologically, and neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte counts were quantified using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was conducted using MANOVA and the Tukey HSD test.

All inflammatory indicators (neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) showed significant differences between the control and treated groups, as well as across different necropsy days.

The inflammation modulation by the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 contributes to enhanced wound healing. In the treated group, there were higher counts of neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes compared with the control group, with notable variations observed over time.