Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference

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The Effect of Probiotics Streptococcus salivarius K12 BLIS and Streptococcus salivarius M18 Against the Virulent Streptococcus mutans Serotypes C, E, F, and K

Undergraduate #109
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Microbiology/Immunology/Virology

Dolon Malaker - Rochester Institute of Technology
Co-Author(s): Robert Osgood, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY


For a long time, antibiotics have been the answer to most of our medical ailments. However, this dependence on antibiotics has its consequences. Nonetheless, probiotics and probiotic-associated products may rescue us from this reliance on antibiotics, may save us money, and ultimately may improve our health in various ways. Probiotics have been popular for the use of regulating the gastrointestinal system, but can also be used to target several microbial diseases. The prevalence of dental caries and cardiovascular related health issues continues to increase. A link has been made between dental caries and infective endocarditis, the bacterial infection of the heart valves, and the main organism responsible for these two conditions is Streptococcus mutans. The newly discovered serotype of S.mutans, serotype K has been found to be difficult to eliminate from the bloodstream. For the purpose of utilizing the beneficial properties of two strains of probiotics, Streptococcus salivarius K12 BLIS and Streptococcus salivarius M18, antagonism assays were conducted on S.mutans serotype C, E, and K (FT1, YT1, and OR221). While the antagonism assay was only successful for serotype C, it has come to attention that K12 BLIS can produce the bacteriocin like inhibitory substance when it is in a nutritionally deprived environment.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): McNair

Faculty Advisor: Robert Osgood,

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.