Abstract
Triclosan is a general membrane-active agent with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that is commonly used in oral care products. In this study, we investigated the effect of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of triclosan on the capacity of the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans to form biofilm and adhere to oral epithelial cells. As quantified by crystal violet staining, biofilm formation by two reference strains of S. mutans was dose-dependently promoted, in the range of 2.2- to 6.2-fold, by 1/2 and 1/4 MIC of triclosan. Observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of a dense biofilm attached to the polystyrene surface. Growth of S. mutans in the presence of triclosan at sub-MICs also increased its capacity to adhere to a monolayer of gingival epithelial cells. The expression of several genes involved in adherence and biofilm formation in S. mutans was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR. It was found that sub-MICs of triclosan significantly increased the expression of comD, gtfC, and luxS, and to a lesser extent of gtfB and atlA genes. These findings stress the importance of maintaining effective bactericidal concentrations of therapeutic triclosan since sub-MICs may promote colonization of the oral cavity by S. mutans.
Highlights
Triclosan (2,4,49-trichloro-29-hydroxydiphenyl ether) is a nonionic molecule with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against both bacteria (Gram positive and negative) and fungi [1]
Given this interesting dual action associated to triclosan and the fact that its high substantivity can be associated to a long-lasting effect, it has been used in oral care products as an active agent for the reduction of dental plaque accumulation and the control of inflammatory gingivitis
At 1/2 and 1/4 minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of triclosan, the biofilm of S. mutans ATCC 25175 was increased by 6.2- and 5-fold, while that of strain ATCC 35668 was increased by 3- and 2.2-fold, respectively
Summary
Triclosan (2,4,49-trichloro-29-hydroxydiphenyl ether) is a nonionic molecule with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against both bacteria (Gram positive and negative) and fungi [1] It is a general membrane-active agent that causes structural perturbations resulting in a loss of permeabilitybarrier functions [2]. Triclosan has been reported to possess an anti-inflammatory activity since it reduces cytokine secretion by host cells such as gingival fibroblasts [3,4] Given this interesting dual action associated to triclosan and the fact that its high substantivity can be associated to a long-lasting effect, it has been used in oral care products (mouthwash, toothpaste) as an active agent for the reduction of dental plaque accumulation and the control of inflammatory gingivitis. Phan and Marquis [9] brought evidence that the ability of triclosan to inhibit glycolysis of S. mutans in biofilms may be, at least in part, responsible for its anti-caries effect
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