Secretory Immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) and the Oral Risk Markers: Quality of Saliva, Dental Biofilm, Oral Candida and Lactobacillus spp

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the dependency of secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) on the risk markers of the oral environment, such as the quality of the saliva, the dental biofilm, the oral Candida and Lactobacillus spp. in children. Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 116 children who were divided into four groups, which were: diabetes, asthma, orthodontic appliances, and no systemic disease or local oral factors. All children were subjected to a clinical assessment for dental caries and oral cleanliness. Samples of stimulated saliva and smears were taken for microbiolgical examination (for oral Candida and Lactobacillus spp.) and immunological examination (for S-IgA). For each parameter examined (salivary flow, pH, buffering capacity, Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, oral Candida and Lactobacillus spp.) the children were divided into two subgroups: one with low and the other with high values of the corresponding parameter. Results: The results demonstrated that (1) the speed of salivation, the pH, and the buffering capacity of the saliva did not influence the secretion of S-IgA; (2) secretory oral immunity did not correlate with the markers of the resident oral microflora and the dental biofilm in the children. Conclusions: Even though, in terms of classical immune reactions, the defence potential of S-IgA is restricted, it may be that these reactions could be used as diagnostic indicators for an adaptive oral immunity of the saliva in children with different oral pathologies.