Microbiological culture analysis of the tongue anaerobic microflora in subjects with and without halitosis

Donaldson, A.C., MacKenzie, D., Riggio, M.P. , Hodge, P.J., Rolph, H.J., Flannagan, A. and Bagg, J. (2005) Microbiological culture analysis of the tongue anaerobic microflora in subjects with and without halitosis. Oral Diseases, 11(1), 61 -63. (doi: 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2005.01094.X)

Abstract

Objective: Determination of the microflora present on the tongue dorsum of subjects with and without halitosis using conventional microbiological culture methods. Methods: Twenty-one halitosis and 20 control patients were recruited using a strict clinical protocol. Samples were collected from the posterior dorsum of the tongue using a sterile brush. Each sample was vortex mixed for 30 s and serial 10-fold dilutions to 107 were carried out. Samples were plated onto fastidious anaerobe agar (FAA) and FAA enriched with vancomycin. These were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 10 days at 37°C. Strict anaerobes were identified by metronidazole sensitivity and bacteria were identified to genus level by a combination of colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical and enzymatic tests (rapid ID 32 A). Results: The predominant species in test and control groups were Veillonella sp. and Prevotella sp. Greater species diversity was found in the halitosis samples compared with controls. The halitosis samples contained an increased incidence of unidentifiable Gram-negative rods, Gram-positive rods and Gram-negative coccobacilli. Conclusions: There was no obvious association between halitosis and any specific bacterial genus. The increased species diversity found in halitosis samples suggests that halitosis may be the result of complex interactions between several bacterial species. The role of uncultivable bacteria may also be important in contributing to this process.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rolph, Dr Helen and Bagg, Professor Jeremy and Hodge, Dr Penny and Riggio, Professor Marcello and Donaldson, Mr Alan
• Authors: Donaldson, A.C., MacKenzie, D., Riggio, M.P., Hodge, P.J., Rolph, H.J., Flannagan, A., and Bagg, J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RK Dentistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Oral Diseases
• ISSN: 1354-523X