abstract |
Use of a microorganism belonging to the lactic acid bacterial group or a mutant or derivative thereof, and the method of prophylaxis or treatment of caries "The present invention relates to the use of a microorganism belonging to the lactic acid bacterial group or a mutant or derivative thereof, which is capable of specifically binding to a bacterium belonging to the group of mutant streptococci, wherein at 1 the specific binding is (i) resistant to heat treatment; and / or ( ii) resistant to protease treatment, and / or (iii) calcium dependent, and / or (iv) formed within a ph range of 4.5 to 8.5, and / or (v) formed in the presence of saliva, for the preparation of an anti-cariogenic composition for the treatment or prevention of caries caused by mutant streptococci other than 15 streptococcus mutans, preferably specific binding may be tested as follows: (a) growth of said microorganism to (b) mixing said microorganism with a bacterium belonging to the group of mutant streptococci that has been grown to a stationary phase; (c) incubating the mixture obtained in step (b) under conditions permitting the formation of aggregates of said microorganism and a bacterium of the group of mutant streptococci; and (d) detecting aggregates by the occurrence of a pellet. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of prophylaxis or treatment of caries caused by mutant streptococci other than streptococcus mutans, comprising administering a microorganism belonging to the group of lactic acid bacteria characterized in that said microorganism is capable of specifically binding to one another. a bacterium belonging to the group of mutant streptococci or a mutant, derivative, analog or fragment of said microorganism. |