streptococcus salivarius (Universidade de Passo Fundo)

Streptococcus salivarius is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium that is a prominent member of the healthy human oral microbiota. It is developed as a live biotherapeutic product (probiotic) to manage oral conditions such as halitosis, dental caries, and pharyngitis. The bacterium works by colonizing oral surfaces and outcompeting pathogenic, odor-producing bacteria. Many strains of S. salivarius produce bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS), which are natural antimicrobial peptides that specifically inhibit the growth of competitors like Streptococcus pyogenes and various anaerobic species that produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). In clinical research, such as that conducted by the Universidade de Passo Fundo, it is often studied in conjunction with prebiotics like inulin to enhance its colonization and efficacy in reducing tongue coating and bad breath.

Other names

S. salivariusStreptococcus salivarius