Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) against periodontal biofilm

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the action of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) on supragingival microbiota and on subgingival microbiota in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis through microbial reduction assay. METHODOLOGY: 40 systemically healthy patients were divided into two groups (gingivitis and periodontitis) with 20 patients per group. Supragingival and subgingival plaque samples were collected from each patient in Group I and Group II, respectively. Sample 1 and Sample 2 from each patient were immediately transferred into sterile Eppendorf tube 1 and tube 2 with microbial transport media, respectively. Both the tubes were then immediately transferred into an anaerobic jar and sent to the microbial facility. IgY was then added to these samples. All the samples were collected in duplicate vials to check the in vitro antimicrobial activity of microbes with IgY and without IgY. Microbial reduction percentage was calculated based on the colony count comparing the colonies with and without IgY. RESULTS: The mean CFUs in the gingivitis group with IgY samples was significantly lesser as compared to the periodontitis group. The mean CFUs in gingivitis and periodontitis group with IgY samples was significantly lesser as compared to those without IgY samples. CONCLUSION: IgY has a significant role in the reduction of bacterial count in supragingival and subgingival plaque samples. So, IgY when used as a local drug delivery agent or mouthwash, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing may reduce gingival and periodontal diseases but further studies showing its effect must be carried out to validate the same.