QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF SULPHATE REDUCING BACTERIA AND HYDROGEN SULPHIDE IN HUMAN SALIVA

Abstract

Objectives: Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) are part of the normal oral microbiota. They have been frequently detected in the oral cavity of individuals with and without oral manifestations. The aim of this investigation was to determine possible correlation between SRB count and their activity in saliva versus some oral health manifestations.\nMethods: A total of 64 saliva samples were collected from healthy individuals, and patients with several oral manifestations. Detection and count of SRB were performed using documented methods, while sulphide ion concentration which is the metabolic end product of these bacteria was measured using a silver electrode connected to a millivolt meter.\nResults: SRB were detected in 35.9% of saliva samples investigated. Statistical significance was observed between the detection of these bacteria and various oral conditions. However, count of SRB and the sulphide ion concentration in the tested samples did not have significant correlation with the oral conditions considered. \nConclusion: The mere detection of SRB in saliva is of significance in the diagnoses of oral conditions. Enumeration of these bacteria and quantification of their metabolic end product in the same samples were not of diagnostic value.