Distribution of penicillin G resistant organisms in saliva of school age children

Abstract

Penicillin G (PCG) resistant organisms screened from saliva of school age children were identified and their β-lactamase activities were examined. PCG resistant strains in saliva ranged from 3.5×10^2 to 8.7×10^4 CFU/ml. Prevotella, an anaerobic, gram negative rod, predominated, followed by Fusobacterium and Capnocytophaga. Among these, P. melaninogenica was most prevalent. A total of 50% or more of the Prevotella strains produced β-lactamase. These results suggest a need for restraint in administering β-lactam antibiotics to children.