Is transmission of bacteria that cause halitosis from pets to humans possible?
Iwanicka-Grzegorek E; Kepa J; Lipkowska E; Michalik J; Pierzynowska E; Placha R Department of Conservative Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. ewa_iwa@hotmail.com OBJECTIVE: Bacteria that cause halitosis naturally colonize the animal’s mouth. The possibility of transmission of these bacteria from pets to human is an intriguing question. Therefore, the possible correlation between halitosis and regular contact of dental patients with pet animals was the aim of the presented study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 84 patients suffering from halitosis and 40 healthy controls aged 20-62 years. Each person completed a questionnaire and was then examined for organoleptic score, volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) and evaluation of low molecular mass amines in saliva by a ninhydrin colorimetric reaction. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was 125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was 2. Statistical analysis was performed us