Abstract
The viridans streptococci comprise a segment of the human oral flora which may play an important role in protecting the mouth from pathogenic bacterial infections. Human exposure to pesticide residues has been implicated as a possible contributing factor in upper respiratory and streptococcal infections. Chlordane, an organochlorine insecticide, was testedin vitro for its capacity to inhibit viridans streptococci growth. Possible antimicrobial effects on laboratory isolates of this bacterial group were studied, utilizing both disk inhibition techniques and turbidimetric analysis of bacterial cell density. The method of growth modification proved to be the more sensitive of the two procedures. Total inhibition of viridans streptococci reproduction was demonstrated at a chlordane concentration of 3.0 ppm. Further studies are necessary to determine whether chlordane inhibition of streptococcal growth in vivo can cause increases in bacterial infections of the oral cavity.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aly, R., H. Miabach, H. Shinefield, and A. Mandel: Protection of chicken embryos by viridans streptococci against the lethal effect ofStaphylococcus aureus. Infect. Immun.9, 559 (1974).
Barber, T.: Influence of pesticides on mule deer rumen bacteria. Ph.D. Thesis.Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado (1971).
Bauer, A. W., W. M. M. Kirby, J. C. Sherris, and M. Turck: Antibiotic susceptibility testing by a standardized single disk method. Am. J. Clin. Pathol.45, 493 (1966).
Breed, R. S., E. G. D. Murray, and N. R. Smith (eds.): Bergey's manual of determinative bacteriology. 7 ed., p. 508. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins (1967).
Brooks, G. T. (ed.): Chlorinated insecticides. Technology and application. Vol. I, p. 105. Cleveland: CRC (1974).
Buchanan, R. E., and N. E. Gibbons (eds.): Bergey's manual of determinative bacteriology. 8 ed., p. 490. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins (1974).
Crowe, C., E. W. Sanders Jr., and S. Longley: Bacterial interference. II. Role of the normal throat flora in prevention of colonization by Group A Streptococcus. J. Infect. Dis.128, 527 (1973).
Davis, B. D., R. Dulbecco, H. H. Eisen, H. S. Ginsberg and B. W. Wood (eds.): Microbiology. 2 ed., p. 725. Hagerstown: Harper and Row Med. Dept. (1973).
Gibbons, R. H., B. Kapsimalis, and S. S. Socransky: The source of salivary bacteria. Arch. Oral Biol.9, 101 (1964).
Gordon, D. E., and R. J. Gibbons: Studies on the predominant cultivable microorganisms from the human tongue. Arch. Oral Biol.11, 627 (1966).
Hardie, J. M., and G. H. Bowden: The normal microbial flora of the mouth. In F. A. Skinner and J. G. Carr (eds.): The normal microbial flora of man. The Society for Applied Bacteriology Symposium Series No. 3, New York-London: Academic Press (1974).
Johanson, W. G. Jr., R. Blackstock, A. K. Pierce, and J. P. Sanford: The role of bacterial antagonism in pneumococcal colonization of the human pharynx. J. Lab. Clin. Med.75, 946 (1970).
Keil, J. E., S. H. Sandifer, C. D. Graher, and L. E. Priester: DDT and polychlorinated biphenyl (Arochlor 1242®) effects of uptake onE. coli growth. Water Res.6, 837 (1972).
Langolis, B. E., and J. A. Collins: Growth of selected bacteria in liquid media containing DDT, dieldrin and heptachlor. J. Dairy Sci.53, 1666 (1970).
Liljemark, W. F., and R. J. Gibbons: Proportional distribution of adherence ofStreptococcus meteor (mitis) on various surfaces in the human oral cavity. Infect. Immun.6, 852 (1972).
Richardson, R. L., and M. Jones: A bacteriologic census of human saliva. J. Dent. Res.37, 697 (1958).
Rosebury, T.: The indigenous cocci. In T. Rosebury (ed.): Microorganisms indigenous to man. p. 9. New York: McGraw-Hill (1962).
Rosebury, T., O. Gale, and D. Taylor: An approach to the study of interactive phenomena among microorganisms indigenous to man. J. Bacteriol.67, 135 (1954).
Sanders, E.: Bacterial interference. I. Its occurrence among the respiratory tract flora and characterization of inhibition of Group A streptococci by viridans streptococci. J. Infect. Dis.120, 698 (1969).
Savage, E. P.: Pesticides morbidity among field workers. In E. P. Savage (ed.): Colorado Epidemiologic Pesticide Studies Center quarterly progress report no. 2, p. 63. Fort Collins:Colorado State University (1974).
Socransky, S. S., and S. D. Manganiello: The oral microbiota of man from birth to senility. J. Peridontol.47, 485 (1971).
Sprunt, K., G. A. Leidy, and W. Redman: Prevention of bacterial overgrowth. J. Infect. Dis.123, 1 (1971).
Sprunt, K., and W. Redman: Evidence suggesting importance of role of interbacterial inhibition in maintaining balance of normal flora. Ann. Intern. Med.68, 570 (1968).
Trudgill, P. W., R. Widdus, and J. S. Rees: Effects of organochlorine insecticides on bacterial growth, respiration and viability. J. Gen. Microbiol.69, 1 (1971).
Warnick, S. L.: Tables of some findings in a study of workers occupationally exposed to pesticides, p. 3. Presented at the Community Pesticide Studies Project Directors Meeting. Chamblee, Georgia. January 26–28 (1971).
Weiner, B. P., and R. M. Worth: Insecticides. Household use and respiratory impairment. Hawaii Med. J.28, 283 (1969).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Goes, T.R., Savage, E.P. & Boyd, W.L. In vitro inhibition of oral viridans streptococci by chlordane. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 7, 449–456 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02332070
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02332070