Phage Targeting Streptococcus mutans In Vitro and In Vivo as a Caries-Preventive Modality.

ABSTRACT: Dental caries is a common infectious disease worldwide. Current conventional therapies lack specific antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans, a key bacterium that induces caries. A promising alternative approach is bacteriophage (phage) therapy. Recently, SMHBZ8 phage targeting S. mutans was isolated and characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the caries-prevention efficacy of SMHBZ8 using in vitro and in vivo caries models. Hemi-mandibles dissected from euthanized healthy mice were subjected to caries-promoting conditions in vitro. Jaws treated with phage therapy in suspension and in formulation with a sustained-release delivery system showed no carious lesions, similar to control and chlorhexidine-treated jaws. Subsequently, SMHBZ8 phage suspension also prevented

SUBMITTER: Wolfoviz-Zilberman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8389033 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature