Evaluation of Salivary IgA Antibodies to Cariogenic Microorganisms in Children. Correlation with Dental Caries Activity

Abstract

Children were examined for caries activity, and their salivary IgA was evaluated for reactivity to antigens of cariogenic bacteria by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgA levels to Streptococcus mutans were higher in children with no detectable caries. Analysis of IgA specific for Lactobacillus casei, teichoic acid, and glucan revealed no protective role for these specificities in children.