Abstract
Beta-lactamase production by oral bacteria is common in infancy and is associated with use of antimicrobial agents in infants. The present longitudinal study aimed to examine the frequency of salivary β-lactamase activity (SβA), to compare SβA with the presence of β-lactamase-producing (β+) aerobic and anaerobic species in saliva, and to estimate the impact of antimicrobial exposure on the emergence of SβA in healthy infants during their first year of life. At 6 months, SβA was detected in 46% infants; 89% SβA-positive infants and 55% SβA-negative infants harboured β+ species at this time (OR 7.08; CI 1.31–38.34). At 12 months, SβA was detected in 54% infants. Exposure to antimicrobials during the first year of life increased the risk (OR 2.60; CI 0.72–9.36) of having SβA.
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