Antiviral Activity of Oral Probiotics

Assessment of Anti-viral Activity of Saliva Obtained From Human Volunteers Following Application of Probiotic Streptococcus Salivarius to the Oral Cavity

The aim of this study is to test saliva samples obtained from healthy human participants for anti-viral activity after they have consumed S. salivarius probiotic in a powder format.

This is a randomized controlled open pilot study to evaluate saliva samples collected from participants following their consumption of powders containing the commercially marketed probiotic bacterium S. salivarius K12 or S. salivarius M18.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the 4 groups consuming probiotic powder containing Streptococcus salivarius K12 or S. salivarius M18 with or without prebiotics (e.g. sugars that may promote probiotic activity). Saliva samples will be collected at predetermined time points pre and post intervention. Antibacterial and Antiviral activity will be determined following established assays. Colonisation efficacy will be determined by enumerating the probiotic in the saliva samples using standard microbiological techniques.

Inclusion criteria:

1. In general good health 18 - 80 years of age.
2. Practice good oral hygiene.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Have a history of autoimmune disease or are immunocompromised.
2. Are on concurrent antibiotic therapy or regular antibiotic use within last 1 week
3. History of allergy (e.g. dairy).