The effect of smokeless-tobacco extracts on the growth of oral bacteria of the genus Streptococcus.
Aqueous tobacco extracts were used to supplement a basic salts solution (BSS) and a microbial medium. Thin-layer chromatography revealed sucrose in only one of four extracts. Discs saturated with extracts (0.1-50 mg/ml) failed to inhibit growth of any of the micro-organisms. Supplementation (10 mg/ml) of BSS with the tobaccos lacking sucrose resulted in augmented growth of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus sanguis whereas the sucrose-containing brand augmented only Strep. sanguis growth. Thus extracts of these smokeless tobaccos would serve as a growth substrate for three species of oral streptococci which are frequently associated with human dental caries.
Falkler
W A
WA
Department of Microbiology, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore 21201.
Zimmerman
M L
ML
Martin
S A
SA
Hall
E R
ER
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000254:growth & development*; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless
D010936:Plant Extracts