Quantitative Analysis of Salivary Streptococcus salivarius among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Controls in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Streptococcus salivarius is beneficial in preventing biofilm formation by microorganisms associated with periodontitis. Objective: S. salivarius estimation and comparison among the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) newly diagnosed patients not under medication, T2DM patients under oral hypoglycemic agents, and compare it with controls. Methods: The study included 60 participants ( n = 60) with Group I comprised of newly diagnosed T2DM patients not under medication, Group II comprised of T2DM patients under oral hypoglycemic drugs, and Group III with nondiabetic healthy subjects, with 20 participants in each group. The absolute quantification of salivary S. salivarius was done using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was done, and the P < 0.05 is considered significant. Results: The intergroup comparison between all the three groups revealed a statistically meaningful reduction ( P = 0.035) in S. salivarius. Intragroup comparison between Group I and Group II revealed a statistically meaningful reduction in S. salivarius in Group II ( P = 0.008). Intragroup comparison between Group II and Group III revealed a statistically meaningful reduction in S. salivarius in Group II ( P = 0.008). Conclusion: Despite treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents in T2DM patients, a statistically significant reduction in S. salivarius count was observed, which may predispose to periodontitis.