Efficacy of immunoglobulin Y-based oral passive immunization against dental caries

Background: Dental caries is an ever growing public health problem. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate & compare the efficacy of delipidated egg yolk protein tablets in preventing recolonisation of Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in two parts. In the invitro study, 90 freshly extracted molars were collected. Each batch of samples was randomly divided into three groups which are follows Control, Fluoride and Immunoglobulin Y (IgY). ATCC strain of Streptococcus mutans (25175) were procured and sub-cultured as per standard guidelines. The organism was then sub-cultured in Brain Heart Infusion broth (BHI) and incubated at 37oC to adjust the suspension to 0.5 Mac Farland standard, which corresponds to 108 colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). The samples were then incubated at 37oC for 48 hours. These plates were incubated at 37oC for 48 hours. Colony counting was done for each group and results were compared with control. The Adherence of Streptoccocus mutans was evaluated. In the in vivo study salivary analysis of caries biomarkers Salivary IgA, TNF-Alpha(Tumor necrosis factor alpha) was carried out. Changes in pH and Colony forming units (CFU) on mutans selective agar were evaluated. Result: This study has shown the ability of IgY generated against CA-GTF(cell associated glucosyl transferase) in causing significant reduction in recolonization of bacterial colonies. Conclusion: Based on the results of in vitro and clinical studies it can be concluded that IgY has the potential to prevent dental caries. It can be used as an effective passive immunization agent in dental caries.