Evaluation of efficacy of probiotic (BIFILAC) on Porphyromonas gingivalis: In vitro study

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is inflammation of the periodontium and causes destruction of the connective tissue attachment of the teeth and alveolar bone. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the primary pathogen for the destructive periodontal diseases. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic on P. gingivalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was done to analyze the effectiveness of probiotic BIFILAC on P. gingivalis was determined using disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration for BIFILAC lozenges was also determined using microdilution method. RESULTS: In disc diffusion method, the antibacterial activity of BIFILAC was analyzed using various concentrations such as 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg/ml, of which 20 μg/ml was proved to have a maximum inhibitory zone of 22 mm. In microdilution method, concentration ranging from 7.25 to 100 μg/ml was used and 25 μg/ml was found to have the minimum inhibitory effect on P. gingivalis. CONCLUSION: The present in vitro study confirms that probiotic BIFILAC has an antimicrobial effect against P. gingivalis. Thus, proving that BIFILAC probiotic can be used as an adjunctive therapeutic modality in periodontitis.