Abstract
In vitro study was conducted to explore antibacterial properties of the larval gut extracts of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Red Palm Weevil) Oliver. Larval gut extracts were tested against salivary bacteria causing dental carries using the agar well diffusion method. The gut extracts significantly affected the growth of both Klebsiella spp. and Streptococcus viridans. The two bacterial species revealed significant differences in their sensitivity to the extract. The extract efficacy depended upon the concentration and time of exposure. When using 100%concentration of the extract, the mean of inhibition zones for S. viridans and Klebsiella spp. at 24 h after treatment were 1.61 mm and 2.50 mm, respectively. At 48 h post-treatment, the mean of inhibition zones for S. viridans and Klebsiella spp. were 1.96 mm and 2.66 mm. After 72 hours, the means zones were 2.28 mm and 2.91 mm, respectively. Electron microscopic examinations showed morphological changes of the outer membrane of bacteria with a noticeable damage as a result of exposure to the gut extract. The results suggest potential use of these extracts against dental caries bacteria.
Highlights
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) commonly known as the red palm weevil, is a destructive insect pest to the palm trees worldwide
The gut extracts significantly affected the growth of both Klebsiella spp. and Streptococcus viridans
Saliva samples were collected from the adult patients who volunteered in the outpatient dental clinic, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine at Cairo University, Egypt, where they were treated for dental caries and periodontal diseases
Summary
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) commonly known as the red palm weevil, is a destructive insect pest to the palm trees worldwide. Previous studies demonstrated that extracts from the alimentary canal of the weevil larvae have shown potency against different species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria[1]. Based on those results, we decided to extend the study to evaluate the extracts’ activity against bacteria present in dental carries which are considered a major reservoir for infectious agents[2]. Dental caries are known to harbor Streptococcus mutans and their levels in carries are indicative of the degree of contamination This species and other streptococci species are major pathological agents of human dental caries[3]. It has evolved to be able to develop multiple mechanisms to colonize the teeth surfaces and has become a significant species in cariogenic biofilm[4]
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